Explores the lives of Aborigines in the small town of Katherine, Australia. Merlan combines ethnography and theory to study issues surrounding the debate about the authenticity of contemporary cultural activity. The vulnerability of Fourth World peoples to others' representations of them and the ethical problems this poses are recognised.

Caging the Rainbow explores the lives of Aborigines in the small regional town of Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia. Francesca Merlan combines ethnography and theory to grapple with issues surrounding the debate about the authenticity of contemporary cultural activity. Throughout, the vulnerability of Fourth World peoples to others' representations of them and the ethical problems this poses are kept in view.