article
Yap eating classes: a study of structure and communitas
journal of the Polynesian Society • 88 (4) • Published In 1979 • Pages: 415-432
By: Lingenfelter, Sherwood G..
Abstract
Based on interviews and early twentieth century accounts, Lingenfelter reconstructs and interprets the ritual surrounding Yap eating classes (YOGUM). According to Lingenfelter, the eating class ritual is a core ritual that expresses and mediates status distinctions in Yap society. He discusses the ritual in terms of Yap's own cosmology and notions of purity and pollution. He focuses on the sacred month of MAKAN, a liminal period of fasting, learning, and seclusion, when new members are inducted into each class and the social order is turned upside down.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Micronesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2005
- Field Date
- 1970-1971
- Coverage Date
- 1910-1940
- Coverage Place
- Rull Municipality, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia
- Notes
- Sherwood G. Lingenfelter
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 432)
- LCCN
- 08012644
- LCSH
- Yapese (Micronesian people)/Yap (Micronesia)