The uncivilized races of men in all countries of the world; vol. 1 of 2 / Being a comprehensive account of their manners and customs, and of their physical, social, mental, moral and religious characteristics

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

69073

Title

The uncivilized races of men in all countries of the world; vol. 1 of 2 / Being a comprehensive account of their manners and customs, and of their physical, social, mental, moral and religious characteristics

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Rev. J. G. Wood compiles a systematic account of the manners, customs, and physical characteristics of uncivilized races globally. This volume focuses heavily on African tribes, detailing their ornaments, military organization under King M'tesa of Uganda, and domestic life.

Summary up to 500 words

Rev. J. G. Wood's *The Uncivilized Races of Men in All Countries of the World* serves as a comprehensive ethnographic compilation, gathering scattered travel accounts into a systematic study of global cultures. Focusing heavily on Africa, particularly Uganda, the work details the physical, social, and moral characteristics of various peoples. A significant portion is dedicated to the 'Kaffirs' (a historical term for Bantu-speaking peoples), where Wood analyzes their ornamental traditions. He notes that beads function as both currency and fashion statements, strictly adhering to color contrasts against dark skin; bright azure blues and whites are prized over duller shades. The text describes intricate beadwork, including necklaces, bracelets constructed like sailor's rope rings, and breast ornaments made of leather covered in glass beads or leopard teeth worn as hunting trophies. The narrative extensively covers the Waganda kingdom under King M'tesa. Wood praises the regime's rigorous military discipline and organizational prowess, noting that even mundane tasks like wood delivery were performed with military precision to drumbeats. The book details the unique succession laws of the era, where rival princes were burned upon a new king's ascension to secure the throne. Wood describes King M'tesa as a theatrical figure who valued elaborate court dress, from grass-cloth tunics to bead-adorned helmets and anklets. His court was attended by 'lady sorcerers' tasked with averting the evil eye. Beyond Uganda, the volume surveys diverse topics including weapon types across continents, smoking customs ranging from opium in China to hemp among Australian tribes, and religious beliefs involving snake worship and witchcraft. Wood documents the chaotic nature of tribal movements in Africa, where constant migration and warfare led to the blending of customs. While written in a 19th-century tone utilizing terms now considered pejorative, such as 'uncivilized' and 'savage,' the text offers detailed observations on architecture, using reeds and tiger-grass to construct orderly towns with double roofs. Ultimately, the work aims to preserve the individuality of races before they were fully assimilated by modern civilization, presenting a vast array of human variety through physical descriptions, social structures, and ritualistic practices.

LLM editorial rating

3.5/5

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Categories

• Ethnology
• Anthropology