Malinowski, Bronislaw, 1884-1942.

Argonauts of the western Pacific : an account of native enterprise and adventure in the Archipelagoes of Melanisian New Guinea / by Bronislaw Malinowski ; preface by Sir James George Frazer. - New York : Dutton, 1961. - xxxi, 527 pages : illustrations, maps ; 19 cm. - A Dutton paperback D74 . - Dutton paperback ; D74. .

First published in 1922.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: the subject, method and scope of this enquiry -- The country and inhabitants of the Kula District -- The natives of the Trobriand Islands -- The essentials of the Kula -- Canoes and sailing -- The ceremonial building of a Waga -- Launching of a canoe and ceremonial visiting-tribal economics in the Trobriands -- The departure of an overseas expedition -- The first halt of the fleet on Muwa -- Sailing on the sea-arm of Pilolu -- The story of shipwreck -- In the Amphletts-sociology of the Kula -- In Tewara and Sanaroa-mythology of the Kula -- On the beach of Sarubwoyna -- The Kula in Dobu-technicalities of the exchange -- The journey home-the fishing and working of the Kaloma shell -- The return visit of the Dobuans to Sinaketa -- Magic and the Kula -- The power of words in magic-some linguistic data -- The inland Kula -- Expeditions between Kiriwina and Kitava -- The remaining branches and offshoots of the Kula.

Argonauts of the Western Pacific was a milestone in anthropological research and interpretation, and of particular interest to students of symbolism. The main concern of this classic text is a careful study of the Kula, the extensive and complex trading system maintained by natives of the Trobriand Islands, between themselves and neighboring islanders. Special attention is given to the role played by magic in the institution of the Kula, the social organization of the natives, and their mythology and folklore. -- Amazon.

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Anthropology--New Guinea.
Ethnology--New Guinea.
Folklore--New Guinea.
Magic.
Barter.
Kula exchange.
Magic--Papua New Guinea--Trobriand Islands.
Ethnology--Papua New Guinea--Trobriand Islands.
Anthropology--Papua New Guinea--Trobriand Islands.


Trobriand Islands (Papua New Guinea)