The cultural background to the Bougainville crisis

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Abstract
Summary. A brief survey of cultural factors in Bougainville and Buka before the disruptions of mining development emphasizes the diversities associated with language, ecology and contact with other Melane- sians. Although certain themes (e. g., matrilineal descent) were common to all residents, variety existed as to the way in which these were played out in different communities. Despite modern rhetoric about Bougainvillean unity and political organization alleged to be rooted in the past, evidence suggests a considerable degree of political atomism, especially among the Nasioi so prominent in the current crisis. What needs further study is the extent to which the current situation represents continuity with the past as opposed to genuinely new developments.

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