Kula: Myth and Magic in the Trobriand Islands, and: Kula: Ring of Power (review)

[...]the idea of monikikini is linked with other elements of Kiriwinian spirituality, especially to the realm of magic. Rudd and Kasaipwalova might be faster with their privately owned modern boats and they are without doubt attractive to their partners because they can host them more splendidly, but in the long run, they cannot keep up with their rivals who have no money but deeper knowledge, a complex network of relationships, and social skills. Since "the spirit of Kula comes out of the earth," yam gardening is another focus of the film, complete with milamala harvest ceremonies, wild sexual "Tapioka" dancing, and reference to Malinowski's report of women raping men. The music is sometimes inappropriate, in my opinion, and the fantasy mixture of drums, flutes, gongs, and synthesizer, perhaps intended to give a mystic touch to the images, should have been replaced by some of the indigenous sound material available. Since the "writing culture" debate, we have come to appreciate local voices and this book gives ample space to quotes from Trobriand Islanders.