Onka's Big Moka
Onka's Big Moka is a fascinating exploration of the cultural practices of the Kawelka tribe in Papua New Guinea. The film provides a unique insight into the tribe's social and economic structures, centered around the Moka ceremony, a grand event of gift-giving and wealth redistribution.
What is Onka's Big Moka?
Onka's Big Moka is a documentary film that was produced in 1974 by Charlie Nairn. The film is a depiction of the traditional ritual of "Moka" within the tribal community of the Kawelka in Papua New Guinea. The central character is Onka, a tribal leader who organizes a Moka, a ceremonial gift-giving event. The Moka is a significant social event where wealth is redistributed, and status is earned based on the magnitude of the gifts given.
Why is Onka's Big Moka significant?
Onka's Big Moka is significant because it provides a unique insight into the cultural practices of the Kawelka tribe. The Moka ceremony, as depicted in the film, is a critical aspect of the tribe's social and economic structure. It showcases how status and prestige in the tribe are not determined by individual wealth but by the act of giving away wealth. The film also serves as an anthropological record of a traditional practice that is gradually disappearing due to modern influences.
What does the Moka ceremony involve?
The Moka ceremony involves the exchange of pigs, and other valuable items, from one tribal group to another. The giver of the Moka gains prestige and status in the community. The receiver of the Moka is obligated to reciprocate in the future with a larger gift. The ceremony is a grand event, often involving hundreds of pigs and other valuables, and can take several years to prepare.
How does Onka's Big Moka reflect the Kawelka's societal values?
Onka's Big Moka reflects the societal values of the Kawelka tribe in several ways. The Moka ceremony emphasizes the importance of generosity and reciprocity in the community. It also highlights the tribe's belief in earning status and prestige through giving rather than accumulating wealth. The film shows how these values are deeply ingrained in the tribe's social and economic structures.
What challenges does Onka face in organizing the Moka?
In organizing the Moka, Onka faces several challenges. He has to negotiate with other tribal leaders to ensure their participation in the event. He also has to gather a significant number of pigs and other valuables to give away, which involves a considerable amount of time, effort, and resources. Additionally, Onka has to manage the expectations and demands of his tribe members while maintaining peace and harmony within the community.
In conclusion, Onka's Big Moka serves as a valuable anthropological record, offering a glimpse into a traditional practice that is gradually fading due to modern influences. The film underscores the societal values of the Kawelka tribe, emphasizing the importance of generosity, reciprocity, and the earning of status through giving. Despite the challenges faced by Onka in organizing the Moka, the event successfully takes place, reinforcing the tribe's commitment to their cultural practices.