Optation, Cognatic Descent, and Redistributions in Samoa

The analysis of cognatic descent groups is hampered by failure to recognize the importance of optation in determining group memberships. The workings of optation are considered through analysis of a funeral redistribution held in 1969 on the island of Ta'u in American Samoa. Redistributions in Samoa can be considered as having three phases: collection of property for redistribution, formal presentation of goods by chiefs of descent groups & public distribution of these goods, & finally, subsequent redistributions. Individuals do not give resources to participation in all of the groups in which they might claim membership, but favor the higher status descent groups; there is competition to prove association with such groups through one's donations. Both structural & decision models reflect certain aspects of this process. 4 Figures, 6 Tables. W. H. Stoddard.