Book

A Solomon Island society: kinship and leadership among the Siuai of Bougainville

Harvard University PressCambridge • Published In 1955 • Pages:

By: Oliver, Douglas L..

Abstract
This fundamental ethnography of the Siwai provides a comprehensive account of the culture in order to frame traditional authority and the actions of leaders. Specific themes covered include the environment, settlement patterns, subsistence practices, property system, land use, cosmology, myths, social organization, values, the life cycle, and ceremonial practices. It is shown how an ambitious man can manipulate complicated exchanges in resources, especially pigs, in order to host a "social-climbing" feast in which the prime objective is to humiliate a rival and gain renown.
Subjects
Domesticated animals
Vegetable production
Normal garb
Settlement patterns
Mutual aid
Music
Accumulation of wealth
Visiting and hospitality
Mode of marriage
Household
Kin relationships
Lineages
Clans
Mythology
culture
Siwai
HRAF PubDate
2016
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Melanesia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2014
Field Date
1938-1939
Coverage Date
1938-1939
Coverage Place
Southern Bougainville, North Solomons Province, Papua New Guinea
Notes
Douglas L. Oliver
Includes bibliographical references in "Notes" (p. 489-527)
LCCN
54009776
LCSH
Siuai (Papuan people)
Leadership