essay

The pathways of the past: !Kung San HXARO exchange and history

überlebensstrategien in Afrika, herausgegeben von Michael Bollig und Frank KleesKöln • Published In 1994 • Pages: 101-124

By: Wiessner, Pauline Wilson.

Abstract
In this article, Wiessner examines the long-term and broad spatial arrangements of HXARO trading partnerships and networks. He argues that HXARO relationships are more formally developed than heretofore described in the literature. They are in fact complex networks, or pathways, of reciprocity that link resources over a wide region. Wiessner discusses how families can inherit an HXARO relationship and how partnerships can be dormant for a period of time and then revived. His discussion raises the HXARO to a level of cultural practice commensurate with Australian Aborigine dream lines and Trobriand Kula rings, in this reader's mind.
Subjects
Exchange transactions
Internal trade
External trade
Household
Inter-community relations
culture
San
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2003
Field Date
1973-1975
Coverage Date
2000 BP - AD 1975
Coverage Place
southern Africa
Notes
Polly Wiessner
Includes bibliographical references (p. 122-124)
LCCN
95149654
LCSH
San (African people)