Growing Yams and Men: An Interpretation of Kimam Male Ritualized Homosexual Behavior

This paper analyzes one component in the symbolics of ritualized male homosexual behavior formerly practiced by the Kimam of Irian Jaya. The material illustrates a theme unique in the literature on ritualized homosexuality in New Guinea: competition between adult males in growing boys into men. Further, the analysis demonstrates the value of locating homosexual behavior within its total cultural context rather than viewing it as an isolated behavioral complex.