PSYCH 3F03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 34: Rare Birds, Sweet Potato
23 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
The moka is like a potlatch in northwest territories. Instead of war, these tribes in papua new. This is a cultural operationalization of costly signals. The most prominent leader, or big-man, of the small kawelka tribe, is ongka. For 5 years, the tribe has been raising pigs to present as a gift to the neighbouring tribe: this is the most important thing in ongka"s life. 500 pigs, rare birds, money, oil, a truck, and maybe a motorcycle. These gifts are called moka, the most important thing of the highland people. Only by giving, can you earn fame and status for your tribe and yourself. The receiver of the gift is perewa. In the west, you can get status from many things: money, job, success, possessions. The only way ongka can, is by out-doing other men by the size of the gift he gives.
