essay

On pigs of the Mbotgote in Malekula

vanuatu : politics, economics and ritual in island melanesiaSydney • Published In 1981 • Pages: 173-188

By: Funabiki, Takeo.

Abstract
In this article Funabiki describes Mbotgote pig management in south Malekula, concentrating on two major themes: (1) the categorization of pigs, and (2) the efficiency of raising pigs. In discussing pig management from a functional viewpoint the author believes that it is necessary to take metaphysical as well as physical factors into consideration.'As a means of producing food protein the total complex is both unnecessary and inefficient. But if the ritual context and social role of hierarchy be brought into consideration, the total complex can be seen to serve a social function in an 'efficient' manner '(p. 16).
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Domesticated animals
Applied animal science
Diet
Price and value
Ethnozoology
culture
Malekula
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Melanesia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 2000
Field Date
1975-1976
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Mbotgote, south Malekula, Vanuatu
Notes
Takeo Funabiki
Includes bibliographical references (p. 188)
LCCN
81065767
LCSH
Malekula (Vanuatu)