The bamboo fire

by Mitchell, William E.

"The Wape of New Guinea live in a mountainous tropical forest habitat. They are slash and burn horticulturalists and reside in sedentary villages. Marriage is by bride wealth and polygyny is permitted but rare. The society is egalitarian in terms of male status and, although the society is hierarchical in terms of sex and age differences, both women and the young enjoy higher status than in many other New Guinea societies. While most Wape are nominal Christians, traditional religious beliefs and practices are of major importance. This book concentrates on describing the field work process....