Evolution Away from the Folk Society in New Guinea
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A 6 page paper discussing the notion of progress as people in the New Guinea highlands continue to abandon many of their traditional roles while yet still keeping traditional tools. In times past, the 'Big Man' of the community was one to which the locals could place both their trust and their cash. He dealt in influence, and his currency was social favors. The concept of the Big Man is only one that remains with the rapid commercialization of the society, but it is indicative of the dilemma in which the people find themselves. In attempting to blend the old with the new, one must almost always make room for the other.No additional sources cited.
Filename: Newguin2.wps

Birth Twins & Symbolism In African Religion / The Dogon
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A 6 page paper that provides an overview of twins in African religion and ritual, with a focus on both symbolic and birth twins in Dogon tribes. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Afrtwins.wps

Dogon Religion
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A 10 page paper discussing how the Dogon of Mali, Africa, view the origin of the world and how it is connected with astronomy. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Filename: Dogonrel.wps

The Dogon Religion & Animals
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A 10 page research paper which explores the animistic aspect of religious belief in this primitive African culture. The writer discusses the role that animals play in Dogon rituals which predict the future, and also gives a possible explanation for the mystery surrounding the impressive knowledge of this primitive tribe regarding the star cluster which makes up the 'dog star,' Sirius A and B. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Filename: Dogon.rtf

Dancing Skeletons : A Comparison of the Culture in Mali and the United States
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A 5 page paper which discusses the book 'Dancing Skeletons: Life and Death in West Africa' by Katherine Dettwyler, and compares the cultural lifestyle of the people in Mali with that of the people in the United States. While the severity of the ignorance and existence of realities such as malnutrition is much less in the United States than it is in Mali, such conditions do exist here in this country. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAskelet.wps