Sago production in a New Guinea economy
| Title | Sago production in a New Guinea economy |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1974 |
| Authors | Townsend, PK |
| Journal | Human Ecology |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 217-236 |
| Date Published | July 1974 |
| Language | English |
| Keywords | agricultural productivity; hunter-gatherer; labor productivity; Melanesia; palms; Papua New Guinea; pith; sago palm; starches; swamps; swine |
| Abstract | The techniques used by the Sanio-Hiowe of Papua New Guinea to produce edible starch from the sago palm (Metroxylon sp.) are described. Input-output analysis demonstrates that this is a highly productive subsistence technology; nevertheless, the Sanio-Hiowe economy is characterized by an absence of intensification. This is ascribed to functional consequences of dependence on hunting and gathering in the interior. In coastal and riverine habitats, other societies using sago supplemented by fishing or horticulture can more fully exploit the potential of sago as a basis for economic intensification and a more sedentary life. |
| URL | http://www.jstor.org/stable/4602300 |
| Research Notes | ArticleType: research-article |
| Journal Abbreviation | Human Ecology |
| ISSN | 0300-7839 |
