Introduction
In his book, Bruce Knauft describes the life and culture of the Gebusi, a people living in Papua New Guinea. His anthropological research is deep and covers various aspects of the development of this unique culture. The evaluation of life, religion, social relations, spirituality, and other features of the Gebusi allows highlighting the characteristic features of the formation of this ethnic group. A comprehensive analysis of the individual nation with a detailed description of various aspects of its cultural background makes it possible to understand the customs of the social community in question and determine its peculiarities.
Main Arguments
The culture of the community in question is presented as a unique and long-term code of foundations and traditions. For instance, according to Knauft (2016, 14), these people are not hostile and value calm, and “Gebusi believe gifts should be given to visitors who are peaceful.” In terms of social interaction within their culture, the locals have unique approaches to maintaining health, educating young people, and other specific collective patterns. At the same time, as Knauft (2016, 46) states, “Gebusi endure severe health challenges, including malaria, childhood malnutrition, elephantiasis (filariasis), tuberculosis, worm (helminthic) diseases, and influenza.” The key reason for such a complex epidemiological situation is probably the remoteness from civilization and the lack of modern prevention tools, such as suitable vaccines.
The narrative manner of describing the Gebusi allows one to penetrate these people’s culture and the specific traditions of their existence in isolation from the rest of the world. For instance, the sexual preferences of local men do not fit into the framework of traditional relationships, but Knauft (2016, 81) emphasizes that this culture “included ritual feasts, dances, storytelling, and spirit séances.” Despite some shocking facts, the author respects the traditions of the people and notes that the Gebusi maintain a balance (Knauft 2016). Contrary to stereotypes that ritual initiations of indigenous peoples are often violent and bloody, in Papua New Guinea, natives follow more lenient educational principles. As Knauft (2016, 109) states, “the temporary wearing of heavy bark wigs by male initiates” demonstrates the absence of cruelty. These observations make it possible to understand that the Gebusi have unique and atypical principles for the formation of a social system, which are determined by specific rules and have a historical background.
The detailed study of the life of the Gebusi makes it possible to compare approaches to the formation of ethnic knowledge among different generations. Knauft (2016, 167) argues that “young people have adopted modern customs that include greater individual agency in courtship and marriage.” This means that, despite the uniqueness and originality of the local culture, shifts towards modern social values are observed. Thus, the book provides a rich description of one nation, and the comparison of the characteristic interaction patterns in this community with those in the civilized world gives an opportunity to highlight the key differences.
Conclusion
The book by Knauft is an in-depth and comprehensive study of the life of the Gebusi, indigenous people living in Papua New Guinea. The description of the cultural and everyday aspects of social interaction allows assessing the differences between their unique behavioral patterns and those promoted in civilized countries. The study of various aspects of life in this community gives readers an opportunity to get vivid images of individual life situations supplemented by dialogues with the local population.
Reference
Knauft, Bruce M. 2016. The Gebusi: Lives Transformed in a Rainforest World. 4th ed. Long Grove: Waveland Press.