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Ongka's Big Moka

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Ongka's Big Moka
In the film “Ongka’s Big Moka” Ongka who is a Big Man of the Kawelka tribe in New Guinea, is arranging a moka in honor of a neighboring tribe. As a big man the only way to maintain this social leadership position is through mokas which bring fame and status amongst others in a tribe. After years of hard work the moka is eventually held and Ongka maintains his status as a Big Man within his tribe. The film explores the political organization and power dynamics within a band society, as well as a complex form of redistribution amongst two tribes.

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