Government in Wanggulam

Abstract

The thesis is divided into two parts, each consisting of five chapters. Part II deals with Wanggulam government as it was before the arrival of the white man, whereas Part I provides the necessary backguound material. Field work among the Wanggulam was carried out in 196O-I962. At that time many elements of the traditional culture of the people had ceased to be on account of the contacts with the white man. Australian missionaries settled close by the Wanggulam in 1 9 5 6 and by 196O-62 the people were profoundly disturbed by the mission teachings. The first half of chapter I relates how the resulting religious movement influenced my relationships with the Wanggulam and hampered field enquiries. The second half of the chapter deals with mode of livelihood and material culture. It shows that in both aspects the Wanggulam, resemble other Highlands peoples a great deal, but that their agriculture and pig raising are less sophisticated and their material culture less colourful and ornate. Show more