Yanomamo Tribe Conflict, Male Supremacy, and Ritual Warfare

The Savage Male: Yanomamo Aggression and Society

1. Literal Comprehension of Yanomamo Conflict

The Yanomamo are one of the most aggressive, war-loving, and male-oriented societies in the world. The bodies of adult males and females are covered with wounds and scars. Wives must obey their husbands without question.

Ritualized Duels and Warfare Practices

• Chest-Pounding Duels: The guest hits the host's chest with a fist as hard as possible. Later, the host reciprocates by hitting the guest back. The more one receives, the more one can hit back.
• Side-Slapping Duels: The opponent hits with open hands just below the ribs.
• Club Fights: The competitor strikes the head with a pole.
• Spear Fights: This is the most dangerous form of conflict.

Fighting against relatives and enemies is quite common. Yanomamo alliances depend on military power, and they spend most of their time fighting.

2. Interpretation of Yanomamo Lifestyle

This essay clearly expresses the lifestyle of the Yanomamo people. It shows that their life is full of struggle. In order to survive, they must keep fighting. This passage shows the relationship between males and females in this male-dominated society.

The American Indian tribesmen, also known as the Yanomamo, believe in male supremacy. Through this passage, the writer presents the views of two different male and female researchers who commonly observe the complete violation of women within this fierce group. The beatings and suffering inflicted by men are sometimes considered a sign of love by women. The character and body image of the Yanomamo show a complete differentiation from normal groups of people.

3. Critical Thinking and Ethical Questions

• The writer quotes Napoleon Chagnon, a male researcher whose attitude may be biased toward women, and also quotes the views of Judith Shapiro, a female researcher. Thus, the writer attempts to provide a balanced view in this essay.

Questions Arising from Yanomamo Society

However, some questions arise:

1. Do such societies still exist on the face of the earth?
2. Why don’t human rights activists intervene in such societies?
3. Do women really expect atrocities from their husbands there?

4. Assimilation and Personal Reflection

By reading this essay, I have learned many things about this male-oriented society. In such societies, women and girls are often abused. I become saddened when I imagine the life of the Yanomamo people, especially the women who constantly face violence.