Pamela J. Stewart Boeken

The book examines the Duna people's adaptation of their rituals and myths in response to external influences such as government, Christianity, and economic development from mining and oil prospecting. Through fieldwork conducted between 1991 and 1999, along with historical sources, the authors present detailed ethnographic insights into the Duna's cultural practices, including those that have been abandoned. This work contributes significantly to discussions on agency and cultural identity among indigenous communities navigating social and political transformations.

Ritual has emerged as a major focus of academic interest. As a concept, the idea of ritual integrates the study of behavior both within and beyond the domain of religion. Ritual can be both secular and religious in character. There is renewed interest in questions such as: Why do rituals exist at all? What has been, and continues to be, their place in society? How do they change over time? Such questions exist against a backdrop of assumptions about development, modernization, and disenchantment of the world.Written with the specific needs of students of religious studies in mind, Ritual: Key Concepts in Religion surveys the field of ritual studies, looking at it both historically within anthropology and in terms of its contemporary relevance to world events.

Exploring the intersection of witchcraft and social dynamics, this work examines how rumors and gossip serve as triggers for accusations and subsequent violence, including peasant rebellions and witch-hunts. Through diverse examples from regions such as Africa, Europe, India, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, it highlights the significant impact of these social phenomena on community relations and conflict. The study offers a unique perspective on the cultural implications of belief systems and the societal consequences of fear and suspicion.

Focusing on the interconnections between Indonesian and Melanesian cultures, this study offers a comparative analysis of ethnographies from eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It explores themes such as slavery, kinship, commoditization, and myths involving cassowaries and sky beings. Additionally, it delves into topics like witchcraft, female spirits, and historical transformations, providing a nuanced understanding of the cultural dynamics in these regions.

Focusing on the themes of revenge and restitution, this book explores how communities can manage violent conflicts through compensation. It highlights practices such as wealth disbursement, oath-taking, sacrifice, and formal apologies, particularly referencing the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and drawing comparisons with tribal societies in Africa and Pakistan. By examining the interplay between vengeance and compensation during peace-making, it offers innovative insights that could aid various conflict-affected communities globally.

Exploring gender relations in Highlands New Guinea, the authors delve into courting songs, ballads, and folktales, particularly from the western Highlands. The work features previously unpublished texts and translations, inviting readers into the rich imaginative world of the region's people. An analytical framework situates the discussion within interpretive anthropology, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics and social interactions. This blend of creative expression and scholarly analysis provides a unique insight into the historical context of gender in this area.

The Aluni Valley Duna people of Papua New Guinea have navigated colonial and post-colonial challenges by creatively engaging with external influences, particularly from mining companies. They utilize their mythological themes to assert claims against these corporations while blending traditional practices with Christianity. This fusion empowers their cultural heritage, enabling them to confront contemporary issues and shape their future amidst neglect from government development efforts.

By examining how small communities have dealt with forces of change and have sought to maintain themselves over time, this book offers pointers and lessons for conservation practices at all levels of society.

Explores revenge as a motivation relating to conflict and violence. Looks at Oceania, where revenge is traditionally a sacred duty to the dead whose spirits demand it. Beyond Oceania, revenge is an important hidden factor in processes of violence.