PAPUANS AND PYGMIES

by Alfred A. Vogel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 22, 1954

A band of scientist-explorers, in 1950, visited these two virtually unknown peoples of the vast, unexplored Australian New Guinea, and despite the lack of unity in their goals, came back with an exotic, colorful once over lightly of their friendly hosts. There is a mine of information, not too profoundly explored, and the tone of the report- while occasionally marred by the evident sense of white supremacy, makes enlightening reading. The Papuans, who inhabit the fertile Wahgi Walley, are crude farmers depending on one crop- yams, for bare subsistence. Hallstrom, the Australian millionaire who financed the expedition, had sent Captain Blood along to check on the progress of the youths who had been schooled at the model farm in the seaport town, where modern ways of farming and hygiene are taught... The Pygmies, with their curious Semitic features, were supposedly driven to the uplands where they live today, by the Papuans. Culture, mores, psychology of these peoples -- as learned in brief contact, give the general reader at least a spur to interest.

Pub Date: Feb. 22, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Roy

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1954

Categories: NONFICTION