Festive Papua : The Story of the Great Dance in New Guinea

Father Andre has been sent to convert Fuyughean tribes in New Guinea to Christianity. Yet in some ways, it seems that he becomes the convert. This book is a detailed portrait of the Gabe, the 'great dance' that is the most spectacular event of the Fuyugheans and described by the Father as "the antique fusion of Beauty: word, song, dance..." Although he often bumbles his way through their society, this is nonetheless a tribute to, as well as a valuable record of, a way of life that has vanished.