A Death in the Tiwi Islands: Conflict, Ritual and Social Life in an Australian Aboriginal Community - Hardcover

Venbrux, Eric

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521473519 ISBN 13: 9780521473514

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1995

Synopsis

This compelling book is an extended case study of the social and legal ramifications of a homicide in a Tiwi community. The author gives a detailed account of the life of the victim and the events surrounding his murder, and describes the cycle of mortuary and seasonal rituals with their elaborate songs and dances. He also looks at the dramatic changes in Tiwi society over the last 100 years, and examines how the Tiwi have responded to the intervention of Western culture. In many areas, he finds, they have adapted and retained their own value system. Venbrux's account of the investigation and trial following the homicide provides timely and important insights into the issue of Aboriginal People, traditional law and the Australian criminal justice system. Through the strong narrative thread of this book we are presented with an incisive picture of a culture amid conflict and change.

About this title

Book Description

This compelling book is an extended case study of the social and legal ramifications of a homicide in a Tiwi community. Venbrux gives detailed accounts of the extensive mortuary rituals and the legal proceedings. Through the strong narrative we are given a picture of a culture amid conflict and change.

Review

."..a thorough, thoughtful addition to the extensive literautre on Tiwi island people." Choice "A Death in the Tiwi Islands is an exceptional ethnographic work." Gary Robinson, American Anthropologist

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521473519
• ISBN 13: 9780521473514
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 287