Kogwayay the Gebusi of Papua

Kogwayay

The Gebusi of Papua New Guinea have a complex moral system. On the one hand, homicide is a major problem among the Gebusi. Homicide rates account for a full third of all adult deaths, one of the highest rates ever reported in the world (Knauft). On the other hand, the concept of kogwayay guides morality in the Gebusi community. Kogwayay encourages a "pre-eminent orientation to social life, as evidenced in strong communality, amity, camaraderie and pronounced conflict avoidance within the community," (Knauft). In "Friends in the Forest," the author broadens the concept of kogwayay to encompass the entirety of the culture. Kogwayay is "the single word that best describes the heart of Gebusi culture...the term even represents their concept of culture itself" including customs and traditions ("Friends in the Forest" p. 17). However, kogwayay means more than just the sum of the Gebusi's culture and traditions. The word kogwayay is comprised of three distinct parts, which are three separate Gebusi words. Those words are "kog," togetherness, "wa," friendship, and "yay," similarity. The author of "Friends in the Forest" points out that these three words reflect the "collective and communal nature" of the Gebusi (p. 17). Moreover, the terms "wa" and "yay" also refer to how the Gebusi interact with one another. The term "wa" means friendship but also refers to talking, because "wa-la" means to chat. The term "yay" refers to collective laughter, especially coming from cheering or joking. Because of its strong social implications, the term "kogwayay" is often translated as "good company."

The authors of "Friends in the Forest" point out that for the Gebusi, kogwayay is controlled by males. Females, for example, do not engage in the "yay" aspect like the men do. Females are excluded from some aspects of kogwayay. Men make important decisions affecting the community, and are in charge of all aspects of Gebusi life including rituals. Kogwayay cannot be distinguished from its implications for gender roles in Gebusi life.

Western culture has its own form of kogwayay. Although Western culture stresses individualism more than the Gebusi does, "good company" is an important aspect of social interactions. Western culture kogwayay includes togetherness, large gatherings of people such as at parties or family dinners. Although these social gatherings are different from what they are in Papua New Guinea, they serve a similar function of creating social harmony.