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nydus/Argonauts of the Western PacificPublic
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Table of Contents

Chapter XI In the Amphletts—Sociology of the Kula

Scenery in the Amphletts.
Plate XLII Scenery in the Amphletts. (See Div. I .)
Landing in the Main Village of Gumasila.
Plate XLIII Landing in the Main Village of Gumasila. (See Div. I .)

Without any preliminary welcoming ceremony or formal reception, the Sinaketan guests now leave their canoes and disperse among the villagers, settle down in groups near the houses of their friends, and engage in betel chewing and conversations. They speak in Kiriwinian, a language which is universally known in the Amphletts. Almost as soon as they go ashore, they give to their partners presents of pari (opening gift), some small object, such as a comb, a lime pot, or a lime stick. After that, they await some Kula gifts to be given

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