The Symbolic and the Material in the Recognition of Hierarchy among the Austronesian Paiwan, Taiwan

Date
2006
Authors
Ku, Kun-hui
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Institute of Anthropology, National Tsing Hua University
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Abstract
This paper examines the dynamic interplay between the symbolic and the material in the recognition of hierarchy among the Paiwan in Piuma, located in southern Taiwan. The data were mainly gathered from Piuma in Pingtung County and other communities in Taiwu Township. The control and/or possession of valuables in a trading network is often said to be essential or fundamental in the formation of hierarchy in local societies in many parts of the world. I argue, in this paper, that symbolic representation is no less important than material representation in the construction of hierarchy or the struggle for recognition among the Paiwan. In particular, names/naming and marriage negotiation/rites are used as the point of departure for discussion. I contend that the movement of valuables mainly follows the path of names and that valuables are often used to objectify the social relationships among individuals or groups as represented by names.
Description
TAAPS (Tsinghua Anthropological & Area Studies Paper Series) No. 1
Keywords
naming, names, hierarchy, value, valuables, ritual, exchange, Paiwan, Taiwan, Piuma, Taiwan, Ethnology
Citation
Ku, Kun-hui. 2006. "The Symbolic and the Material in the Recognition of Hierarchy among the Austronesian Paiwan, Taiwan." Hsinchu, Taiwan: Institute of Anthropology, National Tsing Hua University.
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