Final answer:
Magical techniques may involve spells, the manipulation of special objects, incantations, or all of the above. These activities draw upon the use of both intangible and tangible means to effect change, and they are recognized as essential components of human culture and religious practices across various societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Magical techniques may involve spells, the manipulation of special objects, incantations, or indeed all of the above. Witchcraft and sorcery, staples of anthropological scholarship, depict a variety of practices that seek to harness intangible and tangible means, respectively, to effect change in the world. While witchcraft often relies on non-material means such as spells or incantations, sorcery involves material objects or substances to accomplish its ends.
These practices are not solely associated with negative outcomes; they can also be seen in cultural contexts as having ambiguous or positive uses, such as the protection of a community or promoting justice. The anthropological study of magic acknowledges that magic is an intrinsic feature of human cultures, present in everyday practices, religious rituals, and especially in the specialized actions of practitioners who manipulate supernatural forces. This broad understanding of magic recognizes its relevance across all religious traditions and not just tribal or ancient societies.
Witchcraft and sorcery are complex phenomena that encompass a spectrum of activities that involve spells, object manipulation, and incantations meant to harness supposed supernatural forces (mana), and they have both been historically studied and variously defined by scholars and anthropologists.