ANTH 0780 (CRN 35171)

Angela Lockard Reed

Trobrianders Study Questions

Chapter 9

1.  Briefly describe kula exchange as practiced by the Trobrianders of Papua New Guinea.

2.  Describe the difference between kula and moka.

3.  How is kula exchange associated with a man’s prestige?

4.  Utilitarian goods are often traded during kula exchanges.  What are these utilitarian goods and do you believe their exchange is the primary reason behind kula exchange?

5.  How is kula exchange similar to seduction, marriage, and birth?

6.  Are kula transactions obligatory?  that is, do they always follow the same path?  Explain why or why not.

Chapter 10

1.  What is the function and symbolism of yams for the Trobrianders?

2.  Describe how the death of a person in Trobriander society can threaten the stability of the entire matrilineage. 

3.  What are the limits to women’s wealth?  What are the limits to men’s valuables?

4.  What is your interpretation of the interplay of women’s wealth, men’s valuables, matrilineages and death?

5.  Weiner frequently disagrees with Malinowski’s interpretations of the Trobrianders.  Do you think their different interpretations were affected by their sex?  Explain why or why not.