article
Mythe du corps bouche
Culture [Canadian Ethnology Society] • 4 (2) • Published In 1984 • Pages: 33-42
By: Schwimmer, Eric G..
Abstract
In this article Schwimmer examines the treatment and myths regarding a malady called TIAMBU PEAMBU, which refers to the blockage of all bodily orifices. Symptoms are both mental and physical. A professional medical diagnosis is unavailable, although in one case a surgeon noted similarities to an intestinal obstruction. According to Schwimmer, the Orokaiva have a polysemic understanding of the disease in terms of not only mental and physical obturations, but also social and spiritual ones. Cures and myths focus on the latter two manifestations of the disease. Schwimmer analyzes the myths surrounding the disease among the Orokaiva and neighboring tribes, the Omie, Minangkabau, and Sirorata. He argues that the myths and discourse surrounding the curing ceremonies express the current preoccupation of the tribes with the penetration of the market economy, which has undermined the village system of reciprocity. The disease often attacks young men who did not complete their rite of initiation into traditional village life.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2004
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Melanesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2002
- Field Date
- 1966-1981
- Coverage Date
- 1966-1981
- Coverage Place
- Oro Province, Papua New Guinea
- Notes
- by Eric Schwimmer
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 42)
- LCCN
- 90641213
- LCSH
- Orokaiva (Papua New Guinea people)