ABSTRACT
A Chimbu had to compete among his fellows for prominence at every level of social and political grouping. The qualifications for social importance were achievement in technical, political, economic and military activities. Magic, ritual and medical matters were not specialized in Chimbu, and were not an important part of a leader’s knowledge. Every man needed technological skill in garden clearing and preparation, house and fence building, pig raising and such manufacturing work as making spears, bows, arrows, bark cloth, belts, armbands, rope, sharpening and repairing stone axes, etc. An important man had a group of followers whose productive activities he directed. This was the basis of his wealth and importance. From this, a man could accumulate pigs, wives, land and valuables, which would permit him to participate widely in exchange relationships. The most successful men used their knowledge of relationships and intergroup ties and abilities in speech-making and in organizing large-scale transactions. They created new ties and relationships in all their fights and exchange transactions with other groups. At all ceremonial occasions they planned, directed, arranged the display and took a leading part in speaking and distributing goods. No man could maintain an important position into very old age, nor could his son simply take over his position. The requirements for a big man included constant adaptation to changing interpersonal and intergroup relations, and active, energetic participation in social, political and economic activities. It also required a large supporting household to provide the goods and basis for his participation.
