Two Years with the Natives in the Western Pacific

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27578

Title

Two Years with the Natives in the Western Pacific

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Dr. Felix Speiser recounts his two-year exploration of the New Hebrides, blending ethnological observation with vivid travel sketches. This collection captures the stark beauty of the islands, the hospitality of the colonists, and the complex realities of native life, from the charm of the lagoon to the terrors of hostility and disease.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1913, this book serves as a collection of sketches written by Dr. Felix Speiser during his voyage through the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). The text aims to transmit the indelible impressions of a traveler rather than provide a rigid scientific description, preserving the freshness of first impressions while adding necessary ethnological context. Speiser details his journey from Nouméa and Port Vila to various islands including Maei, Tongoa, Epi, Malekula, Santo, Ambrym, Pentecoste, Aoba, and the Banks Islands. The narrative covers the historical context of European discovery, noting the voyages of Spaniards like Mendana and Quiros, the scientific expeditions of Cook, and the subsequent decline of the native population due to whaling, sandalwood trade, piracy, and the slave trade. Speiser highlights the unique Condominium government established by Britain and France in 1887, which created a dual control system with international courts. A significant portion of the book focuses on the daily life and conditions of the islanders. Speiser describes the physical hardships faced by the inhabitants, including high rates of leprosy, elephantiasis, tuberculosis, and rheumatism, exacerbated by the rainy season. He documents the social structures, such as the separation of men's and women's quarters (gamals), the practice of skull-cults, and the strict etiquette regarding women. The author portrays the women as hardworking and graceful despite their suffering, often noting their constrained status as property of men who could ill-treat them. Speiser also shares personal anecdotes of his interactions with the locals. He describes the initial fear and suspicion of the villagers, which often turned to curiosity and hospitality once he established trust. He details the process of measuring and photographing villagers, noting their bashfulness and the cruel remarks made by the men. The text includes descriptions of local customs, such as the preparation and consumption of kava, a root-based drink reserved for chiefs in Santo. The author expresses deep gratitude for the kindness shown to him by white colonists and missionaries, contrasting their friendliness with the brutality of the whalers and traders who had previously terrorized the islands. The book concludes with Speiser's departure, reflecting on the loss of the 'dream-island' and the regret of leaving a place where he received so much kindness. The work stands as a testament to the enduring hospitality of the islanders and the tragic history of the region, offering a poignant view of a culture on the brink of destruction.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Ethnology
• Travel