Full Description
Ideal for any cultural anthropology course, this brief collection of ethnographic case studies exposes students to 15 different cultures. The groups selected are peoples whose traditional cultures are uniquely their own. Each has distinctive patterns and practices; each has faced the challenge of an encroaching world, with differing results. Moreover, they often provide the prime illustrations of important concepts in introductory anthropology course including Azande witchcraft, Ju/'hoansi egalitarianism, Trobriand kula exchange, and Minangkabau matriliny. As such, this volume can stand alone as an introduction to central ethnographic concepts through these 15 societies, or serve as a valuable companion to anthropology texts. Many of the peoples presented are involved in the diaspora; some struggle to preserve old ways in new places. All sketches follow a logical, consistent organization that makes it easy for students to understand major themes such as history, subsistence, sociopolitical organization, belief systems, marriage, kinship, and contemporary issues.
Contents
World Map: Location of Cultures Numbered by Chapter Chapter 1. The Azande: Witchcraft and Oracles in Africa Chapter 2. The Aztecs: Ancient Legacy, Modern Pride Chapter 3. The Basseri: Pastoral Nomads on the il-Rah Chapter 4. Haiti: A Nation in Turmoil Chapter 5. The Hmong: Struggle and Perseverance Chapter 6. The Ju/'hoansi: Reciprocity and Sharing Chapter 7. The Kaluli: Story, Song, and Ceremony Chapter 8. The Minangkabau: Matriliny and MerantauChapter 9. The Nuer: Cattle and Kinship in Sudan Chapter 10. The Ojibwa: "The People" Endure Chapter 11. The Roma: Romanipe and The Road AheadChapter 12. The Samoans: Matai and Migration Chapter 13. The Tiwi: Tradition in Australia Chapter 14. The Trobriand Islanders: The Power of Exchange Chapter 15. The Yanomamo: Challenges in the Rainforest referencesIndex
