Om ritualer og sosiale relasjoner : Refleksjoner rundt et kraftfullt bytte

Abstract

The article describes a bridewealth prestation amongthe Chagga-speaking people of Tanzania. Departingfrom approaches that rely on the notion of reciprocity,the author explores how the prestation per se constitutes,rather than represents, the relationship betweenwife-givers and wife-receivers. By investigating themateriality of the exchanged object, the relationships itforms part of are laid bare, and it is argued that theobject forms part of a reproductive network wherepersons, things and social relationships are mutuallyconstituted. Against this background, materiality andsociality, things and meanings, reality and representation,are interrelated and the problems raised by thenotion of reciprocity are transcended.