NOVA Season 11 Episode 4 Papua New Guinea: Anthropology on Trial

In the eleventh season of the acclaimed documentary series NOVA, the fourth episode titled "Papua New Guinea: Anthropology on Trial" delves into the complex world of indigenous cultures and the Western anthropologists that study them. The episode takes us to the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, where we meet a group of Indigenous peoples known as the Maring, whose traditional way of life is under threat from modernization and outside influences. The Maring have long been studied by Western anthropologists, who have documented their cultural practices ranging from headhunting to bride-price.

However, the episode explores a controversial case involving an anthropologist named Jared Diamond, who published a book in 1985 titled "The Third Chimpanzee: The Evolution and Future of the Human Animal". Diamond's book included a chapter that discussed the Maring people, and he was subsequently accused of misrepresenting their culture in his writings. This episode explores the fallout from that controversy, as well as broader ethical questions about how anthropology should be practiced.

As the NOVA team travels to Papua New Guinea, we are introduced to the Maring people, who live in a mountainous region at an altitude of up to 7,000 feet. The Maring have a complex and hierarchical social structure, and are known for their aggressive behavior towards outsiders. The documentary takes us on a journey into the heart of Maring culture, exploring their traditions, beliefs, and rituals, from their elaborate bridal customs to the practice of headhunting, which still occurs in isolated areas of the highlands.

The episode then delves into the controversy surrounding Jared Diamond's book and his portrayal of Maring culture. Diamond is interviewed, as are other anthropologists who question the accuracy of his observations. The episode explores the larger question of how Western anthropologists should study Indigenous cultures, and whether their methods can ever be truly objective. The NOVA team meets with Maring leaders to get their perspective on how anthropologists have portrayed their people, and whether their traditional way of life can withstand the pressures of modernization.

What emerges is a complex picture of the challenges facing Indigenous cultures in the modern world. The episode delves into the history of colonialism in Papua New Guinea and how it has impacted Maring culture. It also explores the impact of globalization and modernization, as Maring youths are drawn to the cities in search of jobs and opportunities.

Throughout the episode, the NOVA team grapples with the ethical dilemmas inherent in studying other cultures. Should anthropologists strive for objectivity, or is it impossible to ever fully understand another culture from the outside? What responsibilities do anthropologists have to the people they study? These are just some of the questions that arise in this thought-provoking and timely episode.

In the end, "Papua New Guinea: Anthropology on Trial" is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of Indigenous cultures and the role of Western anthropology in documenting and preserving them. The NOVA team presents a nuanced view of the challenges facing the Maring people and offers insights into the broader ethical questions facing anthropologists today. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in anthropology, cultural studies, or the challenges of preserving traditional cultures in the modern world.