Book

Nisa, the life and words of a !Kung woman

Harvard University PressCambridge, Mass. • Published In 1981 • Pages:

By: Shostak, Marjorie.

Abstract
Through the eyes of a Dobe area !Kung woman in her 50s, the author paints a portrait of !Kung life cycle and sexuality. The book is nearly all told in the first person, by Nisa (pseudonym), with a short topical summary at the beginning of each chapter. Although the author often questions Nisa's veracity, she always comes to a positive conclusion. This is a valuable source with additional anecdotal material on gathering, ceremony, and healing.
Subjects
Life history materials
Sexuality
Sex training
Extramarital sex relations
Menstruation
Childhood activities
Family relationships
Sexual intercourse
Basis of marriage
Ingroup antagonisms
Polygamy
Regulation of marriage
culture
San
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
R. A. Wagner ; 1989
Field Date
1969-1971
Coverage Date
1921-1971
Coverage Place
Dobe area, northwest Botswana
Notes
Marjorie Shostak
Includes bibliographical references and index
Guasha is a !Kung camp in the Dobe area, where Nisa lived. Her life story no doubt includes places in the surounding area, as well. Shostak interviewed Nisa when she was around fifty years old, placing her birth around 1921.
LCCN
81004210
LCSH
San (African people)