On flying witches and flying canoes: the coding of male and female values

Tambiah, S. J.

essay

On flying witches and flying canoes: the coding of male and female values

kula : new perspectives on massim exchange • Cambridge, U.K. • Published In 1983 • Pages: 171-200

By: Tambiah, S. J..

Abstract
Relying in large part on Annette Weiner's book entitled Women of Value, Men of Renown (1976), as both a point of reference and a point of departure (p. 172), Tambiah presents in the first part of this paper an analysis of the Trobriand cultural code concerning male and female attributes as recognized in the society. This section deals primarily with differential role playing by both sexes, with particular reference to brother-sister relationships and with interpersonal relations of other types. The second part of this work deals in some detail with Trobriand concepts related to the male sorcerer (BWAGA'U), the female witch (YOYOVA), flying witches (MULUKWAUSI), malignant spirits (TAURA'U), and the association between the flying witches and the flying canoes celebrated in Kula myths and canoe magic. Brief mention is also made in the text to canoe construction and Trobriand ideas about the land, sea, and sky.

Shipbuilding

Gift giving

Boats

Status, role, and prestige

HRAF PubDate