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Summary | Social aspects | Gender | Children | Ownership of objects

5.4 Ownership of objects

The vast majority of objects people make alone, usually for themselves. The Wola produce things as they need them and, to a large extent, make and use what they require themselves. This attitude reflects their strong egalitarian ethic. This 'user-makes' principle is very prevalent, and extends even to the old and infirm. If people are too old to work, or ill, they need very little and so own very little. They may still make the few things they need for themselves. Alternatively, a relative will help out beyond the help given according to the sexual division of labour rules (e.g. a man may cut and fashion a walking stick for his elderly father, or a daughter net a bag for her mother). If someone is totally unable to fend for him/herself, s/he is likely near to passing away, and kin treat her/him accordingly. Such persons will probably be housebound and have very few demands beyond food and water.


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Last updated: Wed Oct 8 2003