article
Tongan adoption before the constitution of 1875
Ethnohistory • 20 • Published In 1974 • Pages: 109-123
By: Urbanowicz, Charles Francis.
Abstract
This paper presents 'descriptive and interpretive data on aboriginal adoption transactions in Tonga' and attempts to point out that 'aboriginal Tonga is certainly not twentieth century Tonga' and that the period before the adoption of the Constitution of 1875 is a very different one from today (p. 119). Urbanowicz discusses four Tongan institutions that are frequently confused, only one of which should be considered adoption. One only involves child care, one involves name-giving, and one involves name-giving and status changing. Actual adoption involves both a residential and status change. Adoption was an important aspect of aboriginal Tongan society and served to tie various kin groups together among the nobility. The Constitution eliminated the possibility of inheritance by adopted children thus eliminating much of the value of adoption. Urbanowicz criticizes a number of others who have written on Tonga for failing to notice the distinction in the four institutions he discusses.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2006
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Polynesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Martin J. Malone; 1978
- Field Date
- July-Oct. 1970 - Aug.-Oct. 1971
- Coverage Date
- 1800-1875
- Coverage Place
- Tonga
- Notes
- Charles Francis Urbanowicz
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 121-123)
- LCCN
- 57043343
- LCSH
- Tongans