"No man is an island"

Das Dorf Atimelang auf Alor und Cora du Bois

Abstract

In the village of Atimelang, on the island of Alor, I encountered a myth about the American anthropologist Cora Du Bois. According to Du Bois the villagers of Atimelang believed that people who had mysteriously disappeared were to come back as 'good beings' (nala kang). Based on Du Bois' work the early development of infants in Atimelang is examined. This shows that socialisation in Atimelang aims to prepare individuals for experiences of separation and loss. Moreover, the belief in the return of a person who had disappeared seems to be a consistent result of this socialisation. The fact that Cora Du Bois is being connected to or perceived as a 'good being' proves the persistent nature of traditional religious beliefs as well as their ability to integrate external influences. Ultimately, the myth of Cora Du Bois shows how the personality of an anthropologist can affect the people where he or she is conducting research.