Highland Peoples of New Guinea

An examination of the the unique regional development of the New Guinea highland peoples.

Paula Brown (Author)

9780521292498, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 June 1978

276 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.58 kg

Review from the hardback: 'The book is clearly written and organised well and fills a definite need in the literature.' Andrew Strathern, University College London

Fifty years ago the New Guinea highlands were isolated and unknown to outsiders. As the highland peoples of New Guinea are among the last large groups to be brought into the world community, they are of major interest to ecologists, social anthropologists and cultural historians. This study synthesises previous anthropological research on the New Guinea highland peoples and cultures and demonstrates the interrelations of ecological adaptation, population and society. In describing, analysing and comparing the technology, culture and community life of peoples of the highland and the highland fringe, Professor Brown shows the special character of these societies, which have developed in isolation. In addition to examining the unique regional development of the New Guinea highland peoples, this book, a study in ecological and social anthropology, brings together theses two analytical fields and demonstrates their interrelationships.

List of tables and maps
Preface
Introduction
1. Life in the highland habitat
2. Agriculture and population
3. Land and locality
4. Family and kinship
5. Cohesion and competition
Conclusion
References
Index
Tables
Maps.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM]