This video illustrates, using various cultures, the concepts and principles of descent discussed in lecture. Although a short film, it contains a wealth of information; this guide is intended to help you capture some of the most salient points.
The video begins by emphasizing the importance of kinship cross-culturally in organizing the tasks for survival and in performing political, economic, and religious functions. Note in the examples given how all of these are inter-related.
The documentary compares three different kinship systems, all in New Guinea--look for the differences among them. Also note the brief mention made of kinship in the U.S.
YANOMAMI, VENEZUELA
The axe fight filmed by Napoleon Chagnon is analyzed in detail. This guide gives
you an outline of the events to better follow the film:
In one village there are three lineages (A, B, C). Visitors are from lineages A & B; the host villagers from lineages B & C--all are interrelated through marriage.
A woman in the host village, Senabene (lineage B) was beaten my a visitor, Monasewa (lineage A).
Her brother (circled in red in the film) hit the attacker Monasewa with a club. Monasewa's brother (circled in green in the film) defends Monasewa.
The fight is between lineages A & B.
Senabene's husband (lineage C) and grabs an axe. Now linage A is fighting lineage C.
Senabene's husband's brother (lineage C) attacks Monasewa (lineage A), but Monasewa's kinsmen seized the ax handle.
Monasewa's younger brother (lineage A) comes to his aid, taking up an axe. Monasewa's younger brother is hit and collapses.
Members of lineage B are torn between
the descent group they are born into and the one they are allied to by marriage.
The leader of lineage B avoids taking sides. Older respected members of lineage
A step in between the warring factions and diffuse the conflict.
MENDE, NEW GUINEA -- Patrilineal descent: CHAMBRY LAKE, NEW GUINEA TROBRIAND ISLANDS, NEW GUINEA -- Matrilineal descent:
Note what video explains about the reason for cassowary contest--both etic and
emic explanations. What government political decision led to the cassowary contests?
To the Mende, what is the meaning of the anti-ghost cult? What functions do
the clans serve in this society?
There are two descent groups, thus are called "moieties"--the Sun and the Moon
moieties. What is their function?
Note the importance of the Dolla and the important role of Mother's Brother
in this society. A man and his wife, a boy and his father, a sister and her
brother, a boy and his mother's brother have very different relations than in
a patrilineal society. Why didn't the Trobrianders understand the message brought
by missionaries?
The film ends, "Like looking at others and then ourselves in the mirror, appreciation of descent can help us see ourselves and our own culture in new ways."