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1. There are many details in the small mokas that demonstrate that moka is a ritual. A ritual affirms and expresses fundamental values shared by a social group, and moka is a perfect example of this. Gift giving has many different reasons behind it, but within the tribes of New Guinea the respect that is given to those who give many gifts is very high. The idea that one should give without thinking is therefore reiterated by the oft-practiced moka. The feeling of communitas is also experienced, especially when the men involved in the moka dress up in headdresses and leaves that represent the feathers of a sacred bird and dance and sing together while standing in a line. That feeling of "oneness" or feeling like part of a group is very important for the moka as a ritual. Repetition is an important aspect of all rituals, and in moka repetition is displayed by the men involved wearing the same thing and following the same guidelines every time moka is practiced (especially the part of moka where the Big Man taps stakes walking to the site of ritual and yells the name of the receiver every time a stake is tapped).
Approximate Word count = 743
Approximate Pages = 3
(250 words per page double spaced)
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