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Chapter Three. Phases of Life |
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absence of sexual jealousy |
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From the foregoing one might conclude that Konyaks were relatively free of jealousy. They were tolerant of sexual experimentation among those not yet established as married couples dwelling under one roof, but exclusive relationships were preferred both before and after marriage. It was rare for a boy to engage in two love affairs simultaneously, and a girl discovering a lover's unfaithfulness was likely to break the connection. A married woman learning of her husband's attachment to another woman would approach her rival and ask her to renounce the man. If her plea failed and the affair continued, a jealous wife might attack her rival and, with the help of friends, wrench out her earrings, thereby lacerating the lobes. Public opinion usually sided with the wronged wife, and she was not punished for the injuries she had inflicted on her rival. Similarly, the cuckolded husband of a wife already dwelling in his house was within his rights if he beat her lover. |
