article

Classifictory kinship and classificatory status: the Cottica Djuka of Suriname

Man • 4 • Published In 1969 • Pages: 236-249

By: Köbben, A. J. F..

Abstract

In this article, Köbben discusses how classificatory kin and status are used in formal gatherings, called palavers, that deal with problems related to sickness, marriage, religion, or law. Palavers involve the two interested parties and a third neutral party. Classificatory kin ('mother's brother') are often called upon to represent a party in the gathering. The neutral party is usually a person of status such as a village headman or priest. Often the local chief is away on a visit and not available. In these cases other notables who may be visiting or passing through a village are called upon to oversee the palaver. The author argues that this flexibililty in choice of representatives and adjudicators is an adaptation to the geographical mobility of the Ndyuka. Without such flexiblity, village councils could never be carried out.

HRAF PubDate

1999

Region

South America

Sub Region

Amazon and Orinoco

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1997

Field Date

1961-1962

Coverage Date

1961-1962

Coverage Place

Suriname

Notes

A. J. F. Köbben

Includes bibliographical references (p. 249)

LCCN

sf80000548

LCSH

Djuka people