Final answer:
Ongka's favorite wife accepts his remarriages as it is a cultural norm among the Kawelka, and it increases the household's social status and influence, which are crucial for organizing a Moka. Such acceptance is rooted in the community's polygamous traditions and women's roles within them.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the documentary Ongka's Big Moka: The Kawelka of Papua New Guinea, Ongka's home life is depicted as polygamous, a common practice among the Kawelka people. Ongka has multiple wives, and the acceptance of additional marriages by his favorite wife is likely influenced by the cultural norms and the status that comes with being part of a prominent leader's family. Polygamy within the tribe can be a strategic move for alliance and status-building, with Ongka's position as a leader necessitating the accumulation of wives and pigs to garner respect and resources, essential for organizing a Moka (a ceremonial gift exchange).
These marriages and the role of the wives within them are deeply rooted in the social fabric of the community where women derive social position and security from their husband's status. Ongka's wives, including his favorite, likely view additional marriages as beneficial for the overall standing of the household and their own place within the social hierarchy. Their understanding and acceptance of the cultural practice enable Ongka to pursue remarriages to increase his influence and capacity to conduct his Big Moka. Ongka's wives might perceive remarriage not as a loss of affection, but as an opportunity to expand their collective prosperity and social network.