The presentation of self in touristic encounters: A case study from the Trobriand Islands

Abstract

Visiting the Trobriand Islands is advertized as being the highlight of a trip for tourists in Papua New Guinea who want, and can afford, to experience this ultimate adventure with expeditionary cruises aboard the luxurious Melanesian Discoverer. The advertizement also promises that the tourists can meet the friendly people and observe their unique culture, dances, and art. The A. presents an encounter of such tourists with Trobriand Islanders, who sing and dance for the Europeans in Kaibola, a village on Kiriwina Island. The texts of these songs are presented, and their analysis reveals that the Trobriand Islanders, with their indigenous humour, use this encounter for various forms of self-presentation, including ridiculing their visitors. It turns out that this encounter is another manifestation of the Trobriand Islanders' self-consciousness and pride with which they manage to protect core aspects of their cultural identity, while at the same time using and selling parts of their culture as a kind of commodity to tourists.

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