“Ongka’s Big Moka”

We watched “Ongka’s Big Moka” in class, about a leader in Papua New Guinea who was attempting to organize a big feast for a neighboring society. The film is an excellent example of the “Big Man” system. How did Big Men acquire power? (1 point) What sort of powers did Big Men have and not have? (2 points) How are Big Men related to the idea of “obligatory reciprocity”? (2 points) From a functionalist point of view, what is the value of a “Moka” for society? 

#Ongkas #Big #Moka