essay

Kula on Kitava

kula : new perspectives on massim exchangeCambridge, U.K. • Published In 1983 • Pages: 249-273

By: Scoditti, Giancarlo M. G., Leach, Jerry W..

Abstract
After a brief introduction presenting an excellent culture summary of Kitava ethnography, Scoditti describes in detail variations in Kula practices as observed within the three major regions of the island -- Kumwagea, Lalela, and Okabulula. General participation in the Kula by the inhabitants of Kitava Island is described first then there is a description of each region's role in the institution. This latter section discusses overseas partners in the exchange system, as well as the items circulating in the trade. This article also describes other internal uses of valuables on the island such as in marriage, as payments for canoe building, and in the acquisition of knowledge of sorcery and Kula magic. The work concludes with a brief description of symbolism in the Kula.
Subjects
Culture summary
Gift giving
Travel
Boats
Accumulation of wealth
Gender status
Social relationships and groups
culture
Trobriands
HRAF PubDate
1995
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Melanesia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Kitava Island, Papua New Guinea
Notes
[by] Giancarlo M. G. Scoditti and Jerry W. Leach
Bibliography will be found in 36: Leach, Information Sources Listed in Other Works (113)
LCCN
82004142
LCSH
Trobriand Islanders