Out on the water, the leader decides the tactics for seeking and capturing the prey. Successful hunt leaders get sole credit for the catch, and a reputation for cleverness, leadership and generosity. To explain hunters' behaviour in nutritional terms makes no sense, proposes Rebecca Bliege Bird, an anthropologist at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, who has studied the Meriam. Sosis believes, for example, that many other behaviours, such as religious rituals or the initiation rights of fraternities at US universities, are probably opportunities for individuals to display their solidarity to a group. The Meriam also gather food on foot from the reefs surrounding their home.
Women spend two-thirds of their time on the reef gathering shellfish.
Most men devote themselves exclusively to spear-fishing. Shellfish-collectors carry their catch in a bucket. Spear-fishers saunter into town with their catch in their hand, making sure everyone can see their success. And, like fishermen the world over, their exploits are a source of much gossip.