Dualism and Hierarchy C

This study explores the unique societal structure of the Keo region in Flores, Indonesia, focusing on morphological dualism and its implications for social organization, inequality, and ritual practices within communities.

Dualism and Hierarchy C explores the intricate social structures of the Keo region on the Indonesian island of Flores, focusing on the concept of morphological dualism, or dual organization. Drawing from 15 years of fieldwork, the author presents a detailed analysis of how villages, clans, and other groups are paired within this unique society. This study not only introduces a previously undocumented population but also delves into the anthropological significance of dualistic social forms, which have long intrigued scholars in the field.

The author employs Dumont's theory of hierarchy to interpret these dualistic structures, viewing them as products of ongoing processes of combination and the creation of binary wholes. The analysis reveals that the Keo society exemplifies a broader eastern Indonesian pattern characterized by binary classification and asymmetric marriage alliances. However, the author argues that Keo's morphological dualism cannot be easily categorized or reduced to simplistic notions of reciprocity or functional complementarity, highlighting the complexity of social relationships in this context.

Through original ethnographic studies of various Keo domains and settlements, the book addresses critical themes in contemporary social anthropology. It examines the concept of descent, the social construction of inequality, and the connections between ritual practices, such as animal sacrifice, and social order. Dualism and Hierarchy C offers valuable insights into the dynamics of dualism and its implications for understanding social structures in diverse cultural settings.