Ongka's Big Moka
– Horticulturalists
This film traces the efforts of a local
politician in the highlands of Papua New Guinea to
gather backers and donations for his campaign to
give a moka. We see him out on the stump
drumming up support, preparing to meet the public
at major gatherings, demonstrating his rhetorical
and diplomatic skills, and at home with his family.
The importance of family support and, especially,
hardworking and loyal wives is demonstrated. The
risks of political back-stabbing and the challenges
of organizational efforts in a low tech environment
are illustrated.
Tribe: Kawelka
Main players:
Ongka: Kawelka Bigman
Rumbicore: Ongka’s favorite wife
Riema: Ongka’s rival, an aspiring Bigman in the
Kawelka tribe
Perua: the bigman or headman that will be presented with the Moka.
He is a member of the national assembly of the
newly formed sovereign country of Papua New Guinea.
[ca. 1985]
Ongka's Case: His moka as the culmination of feasts ending a particularly bitter war
Lessons from the Film:
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- Spring '08
- Hindes
- Anthropology, Papua New Guinea, New Guinea, Moka, Moka – Horticulturalists
