Argonauts of the Western Pacific by Bronislaw Malinowski
"Argonauts of the Western Pacific" by Bronislaw Malinowski is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work provides an in-depth ethnographic study of the Trobriand Islanders, focusing particularly on their complex systems of trade, known as the Kula. Through the author's meticulous observation and firsthand experience living among the natives, this book sheds light on the social, economic, and magical dimensions of their culture, emphasizing the integral role of
exchange in their society. The opening of the book introduces the author’s empirical approach to ethnography, drawing attention to the urgency of documenting native cultures before they disappear. Malinowski reflects on the complexities of conducting fieldwork, including the challenges of communication and cultural immersion. Through this context, he sets the stage for discussing the Kula system—a form of ceremonial exchange that transcends mere economic transactions and is steeped in emotional and sociocultural significance. The introduction establishes a foundation for exploring broader themes of human behavior, social organization, and the intersection of magic and economy in the lives of the Trobriand Islanders. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Malinowski, Bronislaw, 1884-1942 |
|---|---|
| Author of introduction, etc. | Frazer, James George, 1854-1941 |
| Title |
Argonauts of the Western Pacific An Account of Native Enterprise and Adventure in the Archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea |
| Note | Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonauts_of_the_Western_Pacific |
| Note | Reading ease score: 55.3 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. |
| Credits |
Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (Italy) for Project Gutenberg. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | GN: Geography, Anthropology, Recreation: Anthropology |
| Subject | Kula exchange -- Papua New Guinea -- Trobriand Islands |
| Subject | Massim (Papua New Guinean people) -- Rites and ceremonies |
| Subject | Ethnology -- Papua New Guinea -- Trobriand Islands |
| Subject | Folklore -- Papua New Guinea -- Trobriand Islands |
| Subject | Barter -- Papua New Guinea -- Trobriand Islands |
| Subject | Trobriand Islands (Papua New Guinea) -- Social life and customs |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 55822 |
| Release Date | Oct 26, 2017 |
| Most Recently Updated | Oct 27, 2017 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 1656 downloads in the last 30 days. |
| Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free! | |
