Dressing, undressing, and early European contact in Australia and Tahiti

Sturma, M. (1998) Dressing, undressing, and early European contact in Australia and Tahiti. Pacific Studies, 21 (3). pp. 87-104.

Abstract

Dress and presentation of the body serve as important points of reference in cross-cultural transactions but are potentially confusing. Focusing on early encounters between Europeans and the indigenous peoples of Australia and Tahiti, I argue that certain tactics were commonly adopted to facilitate communication across cultures and dress codes. I have categorized these patterns of discourse as exposure, make-overs, and appropriation. While these tactics could assist in developing cross-cultural relationships, they also created their own ambiguities.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Social Inquiry
Publisher:	Brigham Young University
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/19422

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