Chapter 2 Reading Guide
Trobrianders Annette
Weiner
1.
Describe the scene of death. How long does
mourning last and why?
2.
Describe how the Uwelasi was adorned.
3.
How is almost every death determined?
4.
What does illness signal?
5.
What are enemies capable of?
6. Define
totem.
7. Define
matrilineal clan.
8. What
happens to gardens and paraphernalia in death?
9.
What is even a greater concern than death of a
chief?
10. Who
are the owners in death what roles and rituals must they perform?
11. Who
are the workers in death what roles and rituals must they perform?
12. What do men do in mourning that unifies all?
13. What
could you be accused of if you don’t mourn properly?
14. What
is the Tuma?
15. Why
must you disguise your feelings?
16. What
re the big mistakes remembered?
17. Why
are axe blades significant and who knows magic spells for sorcery?
18. What
role does sorcery play in Trobriand society?
19. What
is a flying witch why is it difficult for women to practice sorcery?
20. How
do urban workers affect the power of sorcery?
21. Describe
what happened between Vanoi and Leon.
22. What
is the role of a new chief?
23. “Its not fair, one death and we have to work
so hard” (pg. 49) – According to Weiner, why are all the rituals and work after
a death so critical?
