The Gebusi: Lives Transformed in a Rainforest World

by Knauft, Bruce

• ISBN13: 9780073405377
• ISBN10: 007340537X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-03-03
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages

Summary

Written specifically for students, this ethnography provides an engaging, real-life account of the transition from a traditional to a modern culture. It uses vibrant personal stories and ethnographic examples to connect developments among the Gebusi of Papua New Guinea to key topics in cultural anthropology, including comparative features of subsistence, kinship, politics, religion, gender, ethnicity, nationalism, and modern development. In the early 1980s, the Gebusi conducted ritual dances and spirit seances, practiced alternative sexual customs, and endured high rate of violence. By 1998, most Gebusi had converted to Christianity and were actively engaged in market activity, disco music, sports leagues, and school. In 2008, however, public services and the cash economy had deteriorated, and people relied increasingly on their traditional customs and practices.. . This second edition ofThe Gebusivividly portrays both the traditions and the modern challenges of Gebusi society and culture with updated content throughout and surprising new conclusions based on the author's return to the Gebusi in 2008..

Table of Contents

List of Map, Figures, and Photographs	p. ix
Preface	p. xi
Entry	p. 1
Introduction: In Search of Surprise	p. 3
1980-82	p. 9
Friends in the Forest	p. 10
Rhythms of Survival	p. 24
Lives of Death	p. 38
Getting Along with Kin and Killers	p. 52
Spirits, Sex, and Celebration	p. 66
Ultimate Splendor	p. 78
1998	p. 91
Reentry	p. 92
Yuway's Sacred Decision	p. 106
Pennies and Peanuts, Rugby and Radios	p. 118
Mysterious Romance, Marital Choice	p. 130
Sayu's Dance and After	p. 144
2008	p. 159
Gebusi 2008	p. 160
Conclusion: Twenty-Eight Years amid Worlds of Change	p. 173
Farewell	p. 177
List of Persons	p. 179
Study Questions	p. 183
Index	p. 189
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.