Book

Drama and power in a hunting society: the Selk'nam of Tierra del Fuego

Cambridge University PressCambridge, [England] • Published In 1982 • Pages:

By: Chapman, Anne.

Abstract
The focus of this study is on the ceremony called by the Selk'nam (Ona), the HAIN, but also known in the anthropological literature as the KLOKETEN initiation rite. This ceremony, which served to initiate young men (KLOKETENS) into adulthood, also contained many facets '…involving a great wealth of meaning and several vital objectives' (p. 1). These rites are discussed in chapters 3-9 of this document. The first two chapters establish the context for the ceremonies and deal with the cultural history and environmental adaptation of the Selk'nam and their socio-economic structure. The final chapter (chapter 10), is a theoretical discussion of the significance of the HAIN ceremony to Selk'nam society. Chapman relies heavily on the previously published works of Gusinde, Bridges, Gallardo, Cooper, and Lathrop, but is often critical of many of the statements made in these documents. Drawing on her own field work experiences and data provided by her primary informants (especially Lola Kiepja and Angela Loij), Chapman attempts to correct many of these statements that she considers to be inaccurate.
Subjects
Puberty and initiation
culture
Ona
HRAF PubDate
1996
Region
South America
Sub Region
Southern South America
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle
Field Date
1965, 1966, 1967, 1968-1970, 1972-1974, 1976 (p. 3-6)
Coverage Date
variable
Coverage Place
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Notes
Anne Chapman
Includes bibliographical references (p. 184-194) and index
LCCN
82004286
LCSH
Ona Indians