Habu: The Innovation of Meaning in Daribi Religion
Dados Bibliográficos
AUTOR(ES) | |
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ANO | 1974 |
TIPO | Book |
PERIÓDICO | Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion |
ISSN | 0021-8294 |
E-ISSN | 1468-5906 |
EDITORA | Wiley-Blackwell |
DOI | 10.2307/1384810 |
ADICIONADO EM | 2025-08-18 |
MD5 |
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Resumo
This article examines the dynamic interplay between myth, ritual, and social change among the Daribi of Papua New Guinea, focusing on the habu, a complex ritual involving pig slaughter and exchange. Huber and Wagner argue against functionalist interpretations of the habu, proposing instead that it serves as a vehicle for the continuous creation and negotiation of meaning. They demonstrate how the Daribi adapt and reinterpret the habu's symbolism to address new social and economic realities, highlighting the innovative and flexible nature of their religious system. The authors analyze how the introduction of Australian currency and Western goods transformed the meaning of wealth and exchange within the habu, leading to a shift in social relations and power dynamics. Ultimately, the study reveals how ritual, far from being a static expression of tradition, can be a powerful force for social innovation and adaptation.