Houses in Lesu: the historical anthropology of a New Ireland society

Aijmer, Göran

article

Houses in Lesu: the historical anthropology of a New Ireland society

Journal of anthropological research • 63 (1) • Published In 2007 • Pages: 51-72

By: Aijmer, Göran.

Abstract
This article examines features of habitation and domestic symbolism in Lesu houses as originally observed by Hortense Powdermaker in 1929-1930. It reconstructs important aspects of early social life in Lesu society with a focus on houses as mundane institutions and as expressive devices. The examination concerns the organization of shelter into continuous groups and social communities. Men's houses and women's houses stood out as symbolic topoi, each evoking a main cultural modality. The respective iconic narrations of these two possible worlds offered radically different solutions to the existential problem of continuity.

Cultural identity and pride

Household

Family relationships

Topography and geology

Building interiors and arrangement

Food preparation

Outbuildings

Burial practices and funerals