Asked by Caroline Baier on Jun 29, 2024

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Among the Kapauku, the tonowi, or "rich one," is the:​

A) ​shaman
B) ​ancestor
C) ​king
D) ​"big man"

Kapauku

A group of people who inhabit the southwestern highlands of Papua, known for their complex social organization and utilization of pig husbandry.

"Big Man"

A term used in anthropology to describe a leader or highly influential individual in a tribe or community, especially in Melanesian and Polynesian societies.

  • Acquire knowledge on the procedures and underpinnings of political dominance and control among diverse societies.
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Verified Answer

MF
Maura FrenchJul 01, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Among the Kapauku, the "tonowi" refers to the "big man" who has accumulated wealth and influence through various means such as gift-giving, trading, and strategic marriages. They do not have any official authority or centralized power like a king, but their wealth and social network enables them to exert significant influence in the community. They are not shamans or ancestors, as those have different cultural roles and meanings within the Kapauku society.