Feasts in New Ireland: the social function of eating

Powdermaker, Hortense

article

Feasts in New Ireland: the social function of eating

American anthropologist • 34 • Published In 1932 • Pages: 236-247

By: Powdermaker, Hortense.

Abstract
This article, as the title suggests, discusses the function of eating as it occurs under communal-ritual conditions. The author presents a theoretical introduction to the subject, and descriptive data concerning feasting among the people of Lesu as she observed it on numerous occasions related to life cycle rites, economic transactions, war and peace, and other events. Preparations, the roles of men compared to those of women, moiety activities, trade and gift exchange, and other customs are discussed when pertinent to the feast itself. The author summarizes her data and concludes that feasts are a form of ritual serving to impress the sentiments of the society upon the individual, thus maintaining the existence of the former.

Diet

Food preparation

Division of labor by gender

Eating

Gender status

Visiting and hospitality

Exchange transactions

Status, role, and prestige

Termination of marriage

Community structure

Instigation of war

Residence