A Witch`s Hand - Curing, Killing, Kinship, and Colonialism among the Lujere of New Guinea`s Upper Sepik River Basin

William E. Mitchell's three-part study of the history of colonial rule in Papua New Guinea revisits his early fieldwork with the Lujere, offering a vivid portrait of a society that has since changed and an approach to anthropology that was typical of the era. It is a significant contribution to the ethnography of Papua New Guinea and will be an invaluable source for researchers of Melanesia, medical anthropologists, and scholars of kinship, myth, and ritual.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2022
Publisher: HAU Society Of Ethnographic Theory

From 1971 to 1972,William E. Mitchell embarked on a groundbreaking fieldwork expedition to explore the intricate tapestry of suffering and healing among the Lujere people of Papua New Guinea's Upper Sepik River Basin. At a time when the study of colonial agencies was relatively uncommon within the realm of anthropology,Mitchell approached his research with a unique perspective. He situated his exploration of Lujere practices within the broader context of a history of colonization,which enveloped the Lujere community with a shifting array of Western institutions. These institutions had a profound impact on the Lujere society,transforming it forever.

Mitchell's work, although highly esteemed among anthropologists specializing in Oceania, has remained unpublished until now. In this monumental new work,Mitchell revisits his early fieldwork, delving into a three-part study that encompasses the history of colonial rule in the region, the social organization of Lujere life at the time, and the various forms of affliction, witchcraft, and curing that preoccupied their minds. Furthermore,Mitchell presents the first comprehensive cross-cultural survey of sanguma, or magical murder, in Oceania. The book offers a vivid portrayal of a society that has undergone significant transformations since Mitchell's initial fieldwork, while also providing a glimpse into the anthropological approach that was prevalent during that era.

This groundbreaking contribution to the ethnography of Papua New Guinea stands as a testament to Mitchell's enduring legacy in the field. It will undoubtedly serve as an invaluable resource for researchers specializing in Melanesia, medical anthropologists, and scholars engaged in the study of kinship, myth, and ritual. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis,Mitchell has shed light on the complex interplay between colonialism, cultural change, and the human experience, offering a profound understanding of the Lujere community and its rich cultural heritage.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 9 x 6 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912808458