Among Cannibals
An Account of Four Years' Travels in Australia and of Camp Life with the Aborigines of Queensland

Lumholtz's entertaining and informative account of his 1880 expedition to Australia describes Aboriginal society and traditions observed at close quarters.

Carl Lumholtz (Author)

9781108006330, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 November 2009

480 pages, 122 b/w illus. 4 colour illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.7 cm, 0.7 kg

In 1880 the Norwegian ethnologist, zoologist and explorer Carl Lumholtz embarked on an expedition to Australia, with the purpose of observing the life and customs of the Australian Aborigines. This book focuses on his experiences while living for a year with a community in Queensland that had never previously come into contact with white people. 'Not only are many of the Australian Aborigines cannibals', says Lumholtz, 'but most of the tribes have not yet emerged from the Stone Age in the history of their development'. He goes on brilliantly to document a complex and fascinating society. Containing detailed maps to illustrate the explorer's travels and many images, the book also includes informative appendices outlining Australian history, geology, flora and fauna. First published in 1889, Lumholtz's classic account of the events and practices he witnessed retains the power to shock, educate and entertain the modern reader.

Preface
1. Introductory
2. Sydney harbour
3. Journey to western Queensland
4. Struggle between blacks and whites
5. Journey to northern Queensland
6. Headquarters at Herbert Vale
7. Kamin (implement for climbing)
8. Pleasant companion
9. My first expedition with the blacks
10. The appearance of the aborigines in the different parts of the continent
11. Respect for right of property
12. The position of women among the blacks
13. Mongan, a new mammal
14. Dingo a member of the family
15. Blacks on the track
16. Wild landscape on the Upper Herbert
17. A wedding
18. Native politeness
19. A festival dance of the blacks
20. Arrival of the native police
21. The rainy season
22. Unpleasantness at Herbert Vale
23. The burial of the blacks
24. My life in danger
25. Winter in north Queensland
26. Message sticks
27. Frozen meat
28. A family of zoologists
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM]