Babata: Our Land, Our Tribe, Our People, A Historical Account and Cultural Materials of Butubutu Babata, Marovo

Institute of Pacific Studies. 2006. Trade paperback. Fine.. 161 p. Includes: illustrations, bibliography. . The Marovo Lagoon in the Western Province of Solomon Islands, home of the Babata people, enjoys worldwide fame for its outstanding natural beauty. Less well known is the complexity of life in the village of the lagoon. Liligeto's book provides and insight into one such village community. In addition to giving very comprehensive accounts of local custom, this book gives telling insights into how a local community of land-and sea-holding villagers handles an expanding variety of challenges in the fields of economic development and environmental conservation. In his study of the Babata people and their land and sea, the author clearly states his own position: It is locally grounded, that of a centrally placed member (indeed chief's secretary) of Butubutu Babata, and, moreover, one with a particularly deep interest in the tribe's traditions. Liligeto's book is an original and valuable result of indigenous scholarly writing. His approach to historical ethnography founded in sustained dialogue between elders steeped in tradition and an author representing the well-educated elite of the younger generation--himself an influential protagonist in 'development'--is sure to set an example for many to follow.