article
Tongan exchange structures: beyond descent and alliance
journal of the Polynesian Society • 91 (2) • Published In 1982 • Pages: 181-212
By: Biersack, Aletta.
Abstract
This is a very sophisticated anlaysis of Tonga kinship. Biersack first reviews the descent and alliance theories used to analyze Pacific islands kinship systems. Then she examines Tonga kinship terminology and behavioral norms, before proposing her theory on the Tonga alliance and exchange system. According to Biersack, Tonga kin terms and exchange practices reveal two complimentary classes of kin: parallel siblings and their children, and cross-siblings and their children. Both are asymmetric relationships. In the former age is the main criteria of rank ordering and in the latter, gender. Mats, food, women, and services are exchanged within the cross siblings matrix and land, titles, and kava, within the parallel siblings matrix. Biersack emphasizes that it is the relationship between parts that matter, not the parts themselves, calling her model a 'complex exchange structure.'
- HRAF PubDate
- 2006
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Polynesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard; 2004
- Field Date
- unknown
- Coverage Date
- not specified
- Coverage Place
- Tonga
- Notes
- Aletta Biersack
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 210-212)
- LCCN
- 08012644
- LCSH
- Tongans