Nine Dayak Nights (Oxford in Asia Paperbacks) [Paperback]

W.R. Geddes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 9, 1985 | Series: Oxford in Asia Paperbacks

This remarkable book provides a portrait of the lesser-known peoples of Sarawak, New Zealand: the Land Dayaks. Written by an anthropologist who came to know these people during a two-year stay in their remote village, the study--introduced by a folktale imparted to the author by the leading spirit-medium in the village--is a masterly analysis based on sound anthroplogical techniques and informed with understanding, affections, and humor. Geddes describes the life of the Land Dayaks--their traditions, beliefs, and their attitudes toward things around them--and reveals not only their differences from, but also their similarities to the greater world of humanity outside their community. Originally published in 1957, this study has lost none of its freshness or fascination.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 9, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195826213
• ISBN-13: 978-0195826210
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,940,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ethnography and Mythology, April 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Nine Dayak Nights (Oxford in Asia Paperbacks) (Paperback)

William Geddes is one of the few ethnographers to have worked with the Land Dayaks of Sarawak. This book is based on his research in the village of Mentu Tapuh. It is divided into two sections. The first is a basic ethnography with an emphasis on social structure. The second is the recounting of the myth of culture-hero Kipachi (for which it took his informant nine nights to tell, hence the title). This is a good book about an interesting group of people.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully observed and written mind expander., March 18, 2011

By 

Alan Venable "Author/creator of 'Dr. Peanut'... (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Nine Dayak Nights (Paperback)

This is a fascinating description of a small society in Borneo that evokes lots of thoughts about our own and the implicit assumptions we make about life, the world and social/moral behavior. It's also one of those wonderful rare anthropological studies that keeps reminding us that "traditional" people don't necessarily buy all their own myths or conform to all of their daily rules for living than we do ourselves.

Geddes is an exceptionally enjoyable writer to read. The book isn't long, so take the time to savor his dry-humored voice and style.