The role of a meal in the resolution process of a clan conflict : a case analysis of the institutions originating from albania and the Arab world

Recenzowane materiały z konferencji: "Kultura jedzenia, jedzenie w kulturze", z dn. 16-17 listopada 2013, Kraków. Bibliogr. s. 140

The article analyzes the role of a meal in the resolution processes of a clan conflict. In the first part, there is a brief introduction to the concepts of 'honor' and 'clan' and a short description of the customary mediation present in Northern Albania and Kosovo, the pre-Islamic arbitration process of Sulha and a tribal conflict resolution in Iraq. The main part contains the analysis of (1) mumalacha (a ceremonial meal) and the main point of Sulha (the ending ceremony), (2) buka e pajtmit (a feast prepared for the ending of an Albanian blood feud) and (3) a traditional meal composed of dates and coffee which is served during tribal meetings in Iraq. The analysis highlights the three main functions of the above-mentioned processes. Firstly, it is a form of communication containing very important information. Secondly, it is a ritual context in which the inter-clan communication is carried out and interpreted. Finally, on the most basic level, it is the foundation of a social system in that area and plays an important role in the legitimization of a clan conflict.