Book
Structure and process in a Melanesian society: Ponam's progress in the twentieth century
Harwood Academic Publishers • Chur • Published In 1991 • Pages:
By: Carrier, Achsah H., Carrier, James G..
Abstract
This is a thorough account of gift exchange among the Manus of Ponum Island. The Carriers take a position between structuralists and processualists and argue that gift-giving is based on an inherent structural logic, i.e., sets of genealogical relationships recognized by everyone, and is also a means for commenting on and actualizing those relationships, in order to open 'roads' for marriage and exchange of needed materials. They examine different ceremonial exchanges that occur at marriage, funerals, birth of the first child, and establishment of a lineage. They show how these exchanges reflect existing social structure and genealogical ideals and principles, and redistribute resources and goods. They also discuss how ceremonial exchanges have changed historically, especially after contact with Western powers and development of a regional market economy.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2005
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Melanesia
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2004
- Field Date
- 1978-1986
- Coverage Date
- 1978-1986
- Coverage Place
- Ponam Island, Manus Province, Papua New Guinea
- Notes
- Achsah H. Carrier, James G. Carrier
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 244-253) and index
- LCCN
- 91055265
- LCSH
- Manus (Papua New Guinea people)