Decorations

Synopsis: On the condition that the series never be shown in Papua New Guinea, the Baruya allowed a film crew to record an entire set of male initation rituals. The Baruya live in the eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea and the male initiation was apparently held every two years and is in four stages, the first stage beginning when a boy is nine and the final stage when he is about 20. The elaborate ritual costumes are prepared and firewood brought for the ceremonial fire. More guests begin to arrive for the ritual. Some of the decorations are bark head-dresses and many layers of grass skirts. Other decorations include beautiful feathers that are carefully unwrapped and prepared for the boys. In the second half of the film, the issue of female pollution and power in relation to the ceremonial house is raised, and by the end of the film, the house is complete.
Series: Towards Baruya Manhood, Series
Language: English
Country: Australia
Medium: Film; Film. 16mm. sd. col. 46 min.
Technical information: Black-and-white / Sound
Year of production: 1972
Availability: Hire
Uses: Undergraduates and postgraduates anthropology.
Subjects: Anthropology
Keywords: Baruya; ceremonies; initiation rites; Papua New Guinea

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