Why are rituals like prying open another's mouth seen as powerful trust expressions?
Answer
Because they carry a significant risk of damage or infection.
The social bonding mechanisms among white-faced capuchins involve certain bizarre and highly ritualized behaviors, such as clasping hands, poking fingers into another's eye socket, or prying open another's mouth. These actions are deemed powerful expressions of trust precisely because they inherently involve significant degrees of risk. Engaging in acts where there is a clear potential for physical damage or the introduction of infection demonstrates a profound reliance on the social partner's restraint and goodwill, solidifying the complex social fabric through shared vulnerability.
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