Developmental change in San Blas

Holloman, Regina

Book

Developmental change in San Blas

University Microfilms International • Ann Arbor, Michigan • Published In 1997 • Pages:

By: Holloman, Regina.

Abstract
This dissertation is a study of developmental changes in San Blas Kuna society from the period of 1903-1967, with a focus throughout on Kuna culture viewed as an adaptive system. The work was designed to fulfill two objectives: (1) to examine the mechanisms of adaptation to the modernization process imposed on the Kuna by a series of western nations over a period of several centuries, and (2) to fill in gaps in the ethnographic record of other previously written documents on the Kuna, especially in regard to social organization. The island chosen as the principle research site was that of San Ignacio de Tupile, with secondary research sites -- Nargana, Aikligandi, Ustupu, Tubwala, Rio Azucar, Mandinga, and Playon Chico -- selected to provide contrasting and supplementary material to the Tupile data. Ethnographic topics discussed in this study relate to ecology and economy, community and family organization, family businesses and SOCIEDADES, the CONGRESO system, political ogranization, international relations, history, and the high chief Nele Kantule and his social reforms.

Acculturation and culture contact

Territorial hierarchy

Chief executive

External relations

Kuna

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