63 pages • 2 hours read
562
Book • Nonfiction
Trobriand Islands • 1920s
1922
Adult
18+ years
Argonauts of the Western Pacific, by Bronislaw Malinowski, explores the customs and trade practices of the Trobriand people in the Kiriwana islands, with a particular focus on the Kula, a ceremonial exchange of shell jewelry that confers social status. The book provides an in-depth look into Trobriand trade, magic, agriculture, and social structures, advocating for immersive and objective ethnographic research.
Informative
Contemplative
Adventurous
1,430 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bronislaw Malinowski's Argonauts of the Western Pacific is a seminal work in anthropology, praised for its detailed ethnographic fieldwork and pioneering participant observation method. While its comprehensive insights into the Trobriand Islanders' trade system are celebrated, some critiques highlight its colonial perspective and dated interpretations. Overall, a critical but foundational text.
Readers who enjoyed Coming of Age in Samoa by Margaret Mead or The Golden Bough by James Frazer would relish Argonauts of the Western Pacific. Anthropology enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by fieldwork, cultural practices, and the development of participant observation, will find this seminal work deeply engaging.
1,430 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
562
Book • Nonfiction
Trobriand Islands • 1920s
1922
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.