Evolutionary Instincts and Social Functions: The Tradition of Crocodile Hunting in Papua

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the function of crocodile hunting practices in Papua for local communities, examine traditional crocodile hunting practices in Papua, and describe the evolutionary biological aspects and socio-cultural functions of crocodile hunting practices in Papua. Qualitative descriptive methods were used in this study as a means of processing data. Malinowski’s functionalism and Edward O. Wilson’s sociobiological evolution serve as the analytical tools for this research. The research approach uses anthropology that highlights the social life of the Papuan people. The research data consists of screenshots of video scenes and transcripts, with secondary data in the form of relevant articles, theses, books, and internet sources. The results of the research show that crocodile hunting practices implement functionalism theory, which is inseparable from social behavior with the aim of fulfilling needs. Social behavior and simple lifestyles that rely on traditional aspects implement sociobiological adaptation so that based on the combination of the two theories in the analytical tools, a new theory emerges, namely the Sociocultural Functional-Evolutionary theory.