Two in One: Houses and Moieties
This chapter focuses on two types of house within an Iatmul village: ngeko (the ceremonial men's house) and ngeio (the dwelling or residential house). The kinds of relationships and activities that revolve around these two types of house provide not only a picture of social life but also illustrate different spheres of ownership which are concomitantly associated with each of these two types of house. There is also an interesting gender dimension to these two architectural forms, which is brought into clear relief. The chapter begins with the organisational form of Iatmul moiety systems.
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