Book

The Kuna gathering: contemporary village politics in Panama

University of Texas Press • (67) • Published In 1986 • Pages: xvi, 326

By: Howe, James.

Abstract

This book presents and analyzes the village political system centered on the Cuna gathering, an assembly of villagers to discuss important affairs concerning the community. 'Throughout the book, emphasis falls on collective goals, policies, and decisions, on the ways in which political actors attempt to shape those outputs, and on the processes through which they do so' (p. 30). Howe discusses in detail the two forms of village gatherings, one sacred and chanted, and the other secular and spoken. The latter of these two, the talking gathering, is the primary political arena. Other topics biven extensive coverage in this document are chieftainship, the role of symbol in politics, public office, public works, adjudication processes, and conflict and fission in the community.

HRAF PubDate

1999

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Central America

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1996

Field Date

1970-1981

Coverage Date

1900-1980

Coverage Place

San Blas Coast and Islands, Panama

Notes

by James Howe

Includes bibliographical references (p. 287-306) and index

LCCN

85015048

LCSH

Cuna Indians