Father Andre has been sent to convert Fuyughean tribes in New Guinea to Christianity. Yet in some ways, it seems that he becomes the convert. This book is a detailed portrait of the Gabe, the "great dance" that is the most spectacular event of the Fuyugheans and described by the Father as "the antique fusion of Beauty: word, song, dance..." Although he often bumbles his way through their society, this is nonetheless a tribute to, as well as a valuable record of, a way of life that has vanished.