article
Kava'onau and the Tongan chiefs
journal of the Polynesian Society • 100 (3) • Published In 1991 • Pages: 231-268
By: Biersack, Aletta.
Abstract
This is a study of myths and practices surrounding the KAVA ceremony, which for Biersack is an important Tongan ritual used to demonstrate rank and authority among elite. In the first part of her article, she analyzes the Tongan creation and kava myths, which according to Biersack explicates Tonga polity, its social order and power relations, and also the symbolism surrounding the KAVA ceremony. Where participants sit, who serves whom food and drink, and associated taboos all index status relations. According to Biersack the anticannibalistic motifs of myth and ritual are key to understanding a Tonga authority based on a contractual relationship between the king and chiefs, and chiefs and commoners.
- 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
- Ian Skoggard;2004
- Field Date
- 1986
- Coverage Date
- 1958-1986
- Coverage Place
- Tonga
- Notes
- Aletta Biersack
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 266-268)
- LCCN
- 08012644
- LCSH
- Tongans