Dani sexuality a low energy system
Heider, K.G.
Man 11(2): 188-201
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-1496 DOI: 10.2307/2800204Document Number: 464540
The Grand Valley Dani of Irian Jaya, Indonesia (West New Guinea) have an extremely low level of sexual interest and activity. Especially striking is their five year post-partum sexual abstinence, which is uniformly observed and is not a subject of great concern or stress. This low level of sexuality appears to be a purely cultural phenomenon, not caused by any biological factors. It is consistent with other Dani features such as scanty intellectual elaboration and general absence of peak activity in rituals and interpersonal interactions. This leads to a characterisation of Dani behaviour as a low-energy system. Some causal factors are suggested.