Trobrianders Of Papua New Guniea Summary

Trobriander’s Culture

Different cultures have their differences and what makes them unique but in the end when you really look at a culture, there are some general characteristics that are similar to your own culture. These kin ties make their lineage stronger; show how they bond with each other and one’s specific roles in their family lineage. In The Trobrianders of Papua New Guniea by Annette B. Weiner, she describes that their society is structured as a matrilineage. There are many exchanges that occur in this society between “owners” and “workers” of this lineage. As well as, everyone plays their own part when one passes away and when someone does it
Each death shows the complex relationships to the deceased and how strong the matrilineage is. During death the “owners” are the ones part of the matrilineage and take care of the burial and exchanges. The “workers” are the ones who are related to the deceased through marriage. Through Weiner’s observations and participation there is a long process that takes place when someone passes away. The “workers” are the ones that do the “hard labor”. They prepare the grave and carry the deceased’s body to the grave. They get paid after the burial has taken place. The “workers” get paid in yams, taro and small amounts of money. Weiner states, “the sizes [of the yams] and the amounts given depending on the status of the person and upon her or his relationship to the deceased” (Weiner 1988:44). Getting paid the services goes back to your status in the society and how you will get paid based on your ranking. Not only do the “owners” pay the “workers” but the “workers” also pay the “owners”. They pay them with large clay pot and stone axe-blades. This type of payment is known as a “compensation payment” to show their innocence to the death and that they were not the ones that committed it. The “workers” get paid to help with the burial proceedings but in return they have to pay to show that they are