Gender, ritual and social formation in West Papua

[Koen J de Jager]

Jan Pouwer (2010 ) Gender, ritual and social formation in West Papua, a configurational analysis comparing Kamoro and Asmat ISBN nr. 978 90 6718 325 3 Leiden, KITLV Press, [Verhandelingen 258] xiii + 300 pag., € 34,90 This study compares the culture of the Kamoro (18,000 people) with that of their eastern neighbours, the Asmat (40,000). Part I looks at Kamoro society and culture through the window of its ritual cycle, framed by gender. Part II widens the view, offering in a comparative fashion a more detailed analysis of the socio-political and cosmo-mythological setting of the Kamoro and the Asmat rituals. This publication is of interest to scholars and students in Oceanic studies and those drawn to the comparative study of cultures. Sample chapter: http://www.kitlv.nl/pdf_documents/asia-genderritual.pdf