ABSTRACT
In this chapter I bring the different aspects of the book together to illustrate the ontological implications that can be gleaned from understanding Bebelibe–animal relationships. These are epitomised by the life story of Robert who has an ani-mate relationship with a python. He testifies that he no longer knows who he really is, following his conversion to Christianity and the relational complexities this has created between him, his python, his family and other Christians.
Through Robert’s story, I explain the limitations of Holbraad and Pedersen’s analysis of Christian conversion and its relational implications in light of the ontological turn. His story also allows me to demonstrate further how ontonic engagement, presencing and the ontological penumbra help understand human–animal relations not just amongst the Bebelibe, but more generally.
I end by proposing that the relational complexities of human–animal relations are best expressed through different entities’ ability to ontomorphise (rather than anthropomorphise or egomorphise) each other, by attributing their ontonity (rather than humanity) and ontonhood (rather than personhood) to others.
