Similarities and Differences between the Sateré-Mawé and Vanuatu Cultures

Both the Sateré-Mawé and the Vanuatu cultures implement extreme taboo practices to signify transition into male adulthood. Although they don’t necessarily cause harm or death, they both have a powerful fear factor, which is something both cultures believe males have to overcome in order to pass into adulthood. The Sateré-Mawé implements the fear of pain into the participants’ mind. They exaggerate this fear by hosting a ceremony where the subject can do nothing but anticipate the agony that awaits them. They Sateré-Mawé believe that pain is temporary and if the male is able to maintain a level of resilience to it, he may pass the test of manhood. The Vanuatu practice does not directly involve any form of pain or harm. Instead, they too implement the factor of fear by jumping off of high balconies and it is believed that in order for these tribal members to pass the test of adulthood, they have to prove to their community that they are not afraid of putting themselves at the possibility of great harm or death. A major difference between the two cultures is that the Sateré-Mawé only implement once instance of bravery to pass into adulthood, while the Vanuatu consistently enforce male members to jump from higher heights to signify their older status of manhood.