Help me to see better of things involved

Hi,

I have a phrase below and want to ask why it has the article 'a' there.

A recognition of the ritual-like character of dancing

Here the word 'recognition' seems to be uncountable.

Is that because of any of these?

1. It is a type of recognition, that of a ritual-like character of dancing.

2. It is a special instance of recognition, which in this instance is marked by ritual-like character of dancing.

What is it? Eventhough I wrote the choices. I don't know what to go for because it's very hard to see anything. Help.