Pigs in Rites: Rights in Pigs: Porcine Values in the Papua New Guinea Highlands

Sillitoe, Paul

doi:10.5252/anthropozoologica2021v56a8

Pigs in Rites: Rights in Pigs: Porcine Values in the Papua New Guinea Highlands

Sillitoe, Paul

Authors

Professor Paul Sillitoe paul.sillitoe@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Abstract

This paper discusses the place of pigs in the mountains of Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Was valley of the Southern Highlands Province. After a brief introduction to the pigs of the region and their herding arrangements, it gives an ethnographic account of their use in various rites, notably those that feature curing, sorcery and cult activities. They prompt consideration of the relevance of concepts used to understand these ritual activities, whether they are offerings or sacrifices or something else particular to pigs in rites. The cults also include large pig kill festivals that have notable socio-political implications. These relate to rights in pigs and their ownership, which are complex issues that impinge on all of the foregoing activities.

Citation

Sillitoe, P. (2021). Pigs in Rites: Rights in Pigs: Porcine Values in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. Anthropozoologica, 56(8), 117-136. https://doi.org/10.5252/anthropozoologica2021v56a8

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Apr 12, 2021
Online Publication Date	Jun 4, 2021
Publication Date	2021
Deposit Date	May 6, 2021
Publicly Available Date	Jun 7, 2021
Journal	Anthropozoologica.
Print ISSN	0761-3032
Electronic ISSN	2107-0881
Publisher	Publications scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	56
Issue	8
Pages	117-136
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5252/anthropozoologica2021v56a8