The Bamboo Fire

Field Work with the New Guinea Wape

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book The Bamboo Fire by William E. Mitchell, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William E. Mitchell ISBN: 9781351305464
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: William E. Mitchell
ISBN: 9781351305464
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Anthropology is primarily done in the field, unlike the laboratory oriented experimental sciences. Experimental sciences make their observations in constructed settings that permit variables influencing the outcome of the experiment to be known and controlled. In contrast, anthropology's object of inquiry, like the science of ethology is life experience in its natural setting. To understand how people organize their lives both in thought and in action, one must settle among them for a very long time.

The Wape of Papua New Guinea inhabit a mountainous rain forest and live in sedentary villages. They are slash and burn horticulturalists. marriage is by bride wealth and polygyny is permitted but rare. Male status is egalitarian 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 by giving the reader a feeling of the reflexive nature of this experience. It demonstrate not only how the anthropologist proceeds in her or his work, but describes the social and psychological context in which that work evolves and how anthropologists respond to it both within oneself and in communication with others. While it is a book about the Wape people it is also a book about how one anthropologist tried to understand them. It integrates the subjective and objective into a common research method. Related to the book, the author has published a film, Magical Curing, and a CD, The Living Dead and Dying: Music of the New Guinea Wape.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Anthropology is primarily done in the field, unlike the laboratory oriented experimental sciences. Experimental sciences make their observations in constructed settings that permit variables influencing the outcome of the experiment to be known and controlled. In contrast, anthropology's object of inquiry, like the science of ethology is life experience in its natural setting. To understand how people organize their lives both in thought and in action, one must settle among them for a very long time.

The Wape of Papua New Guinea inhabit a mountainous rain forest and live in sedentary villages. They are slash and burn horticulturalists. marriage is by bride wealth and polygyny is permitted but rare. Male status is egalitarian 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 by giving the reader a feeling of the reflexive nature of this experience. It demonstrate not only how the anthropologist proceeds in her or his work, but describes the social and psychological context in which that work evolves and how anthropologists respond to it both within oneself and in communication with others. While it is a book about the Wape people it is also a book about how one anthropologist tried to understand them. It integrates the subjective and objective into a common research method. Related to the book, the author has published a film, Magical Curing, and a CD, The Living Dead and Dying: Music of the New Guinea Wape.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Adaptive Water Resource Management Handbook by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Rome and the Friendly King (Routledge Revivals) by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Food Security for Rural Africa by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Encyclopedia of International Relations and Global Politics by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book The International Politics of Judicial Intervention by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Concept of the Corporation by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Tackling Bullying in Your School by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book The International Criminal Court and Peace Processes in Africa by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book International Education by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Photography in and out of Africa by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book China on the Mind by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book The Impact of Welfare Reform by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Quantitative Investing for the Global Markets by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book Sociolinguistics by William E. Mitchell
Cover of the book The Asia-Europe Meeting by William E. Mitchell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy