An analysis of the material culture of the Trobriand Islands based upon the collection of Bronislaw Malinowski

Norick, Frank Albert

Book

An analysis of the material culture of the Trobriand Islands based upon the collection of Bronislaw Malinowski

University Microfilms International • Ann Arbor, Mich. • Published In 1992 • Pages:

By: Norick, Frank Albert.

Abstract
In this dissertation, Norick's original intent was to round-out Malinowski's classic study on the Trobriand Islands by an analysis of the artifacts that Malinowski collected during 1914-1918, and to show the relationship of these artifacts to other aspects of Trobriand culture and society (p. 11). This task proved more challenging than the author anticipated. Despite many handicaps Norick has prepared an excellent overview of Trobriand material culture. The text analyzes the specimens according to use, classifying the items under the rubrics of stone technology, objects of multiple utility, garden and woodworking implements, domestic implements, weapons, canoes and canoe parts, fishing gear, secular dress, acoutrements and ornaments, items used with stimulents and narcotics, ritual objects, musical instruments, and novelties for sale to tourists. The major portion of this work consists of plates, which, because of their poor quality, were not indexed.

Organization and analysis of results of research