The Korowai (aka the Kulufo)A. Scope and ApplicationsWhat is the social function of indigenous knowledge systems?The Korowai tribe lives in a male-dominated society where leadership structures are based on the personal qualities of strong men rather than institution or inheritance. Sleeping areas are divided between sexes. The children sleep in the females' bedroom and are raised by their mother and other females in the clan. Once old enough, adolescent males move into the men's room. Marriage is exogamous and polygamous. Men are required to marry the wife or wives of a sick brother. young wives of older men often experience corporal punishment. In cases of adultery, husbands are allowed to shoot an arrow into their wife's thigh. There is a relationship of avoidance between a man and his wife's mother. If he breaks the taboo with his mother-in-law, his children will probably get sick. Women are not allowed to participate in certain tribal rituals and if they are caught attending a ritual ceremony, the success of the ceremony is considered lost. Wars between clans occur mainly due to conflicts related to witchcraft. How many different forms does this knowledge system encompass (e.g. different cultural traditions or tribes)? There is only one Korowai tribe divided into clans. A neighboring tribe called the Kombai, however, practices similar customs and mannerisms. Represent one or more of the following for IKS: dress, food, population. Attire: Korowai push their penis inside (inverted penis) and wrap the rest with a leaf. , or cover it with a hard shell of forest fruit. On the other hand, the Kombai, the aforementioned neighboring tribe with similar customs, prefer to use the beak of a hornbill, or...... middle of paper ......h history? Customs and traditions are relayed through their vast oral tradition of magical and protective words and stories. Children are unlikely to know the magic words, while the origin myths are known only to older men; folktales and totemic traditions are shared by all members of the tribe and are therefore more widely known. Are there concepts specific to these peoples, words or terms known only to them? “The Khakhua” are witches who take the form of men. “Khaim” refers to their tree houses. “Laibolekha” are totemic traditions. “Lamolaup” are origin myths. "Laleo" are ghost demons; strangers- especially those with lighter skin- to the Korowai. Most members of the Korowai tribe have never met a white person. “Ndafunmahüon” are magical sayings. “Wakhatum” are folk tales..