The concept of noman in Hagen encompasses a local theory of consciousness, agency, and morality. Interview materials are given to illustrate notions of how the noman works. The Hageners recognize a kind of duality between mind and body but no fundamental split between them. Their theory of consciousness is also a theory of morality and ethics, as well as a recognition of creative agency in life. Key words: Mount Hagen, person, gender, body/mind.

This chapter gives an elaboration of the will and addresses the question of whether there is an entity called “free will” or not. It looks at various cases that are seen from the perspectives of cultural anthropology. This chapter uses a literary example that takes a look at the significant consequences of using free will and shows how the cosmological dimension implicates the will of the spirits, in relation to the willed actions of people.

We are pleased to present the following Review Forum of Harvey Whitehouse’s book, Arguments and Icons: Divergent Modes of Religiosity. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. 204 pages. ISBN 0-19- 823414-7 (cloth); 0-19-823415-5 (paper). We have given the contributors and the book’s author sufficient space to discuss its themes carefully and thus make a significant contribution to the further analysis of religion and ritual generally.