TY  - GEN
AU  - Belk, Russell W.
SN  - 0886-1641
AU  - Belk, Russell W.
LA  - eng
CN  - ENP-d01dd2e4-0b12-4e93-a093-e3af02e195bd
TI  - The ineluctable mysteries of possessions
PY  - 1991
AB  - Discusses the magical status possessions acquire when they transcend ordinary utilitarian status and suggests some concepts behind this phenomenon. Categories of special possessions include (1) parts of self (cosmetics, jewelry, clothing); (2) extensions of self (home, vehicle, pets); (3) objects of magic, science, and religion (icons, talismans, drugs); (4) memory laden objects (gifts, heirlooms); and (5) rare and mysterious possessions (treasure, relics of famous people). Tests for nonrational relations with objects are outlined. An eclectic set of concepts is presented to sketch theoretical perspectives that account for the mysteries of possessions. The concepts presented include fetishism, singularity and sacredness, self extension, and meaning displacement.

The assumption of many disciplines that the property relationship between people and their possessions is primarily one of Cartesian ralionality, ignores overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The rational possessor is a myth, and systems of law, economics, and psychology that perpetuate this myth fail to account for the power and mystery inherent in many property relationships. This article examines the nature of such relationships and suggests several alternative conceptualizations of the way we relate to many of our possessions.
ER  -