Essays on Polynesia

Introduction

The Zika virus causes an illness known as Zika virus disease (Zika). The transmission of Zika virus occurs via the bite of an Aedes mosquito that is infected (CDC, 2016). Zika belongs to the genre Flavivirus and the WHO (2015) has identified it as “an emerging mosquito-borne virus.” The virus causes a mild illness that lasts a few days to a week (CDC, 2016; WHO, 2016). Thus, many people with the disease do not seek medical help. However, the greatest concern associated with Zika is microcephaly. This birth defect results from a Zika infection during pregnancy. This defect is ...

Reciprocity and Exchange can be hard to establish and maintain if either party believes they are in control. Similarly, highly cooperative individuals may find it difficult understanding the importance of both concepts in social arrangements. Marcel Mauss’ The Gift uses the value of reciprocity and exchange as part of building unity and continuity for human social arrangements. The book’s analysis of archaic communities shows how objective exchange can help establish and maintain relationships between groups. In archaic societies, Mauss establishes evidence that early communities existed around the obligation to give, receive, and reciprocate for social continuity. Exchange systems ...

Overview

Oceanic art and culture pertains to the creative efforts of the natives from Australia and the collection of the Pacific Islands, including Easter Island and Hawaii. With the prominence of male figures and the relevance of male initiation in several Oceanic societies, women seem to be a peripheral part of the culture. But, in reality, women have played a greater role in the Oceanic culture, especially by contributing to art. Historically, the artistic production of women was restricted to forms such as pottery, weaving, and barkcloth. Women were barkcloth makers in Polynesia and potters in New Guinea (Gardner & Kleiner, ...