Religious and Cosmic Beliefs of Central Polynesia: Volume 1

Originally published in 1933, this book forms one of two volumes on the religious, mythical and cosmic structures of Central Polynesia.

Robert W. Williamson (Author)

9781107625747, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 November 2013

422 pages
24.4 x 17 x 2.2 cm, 0.67 kg

Robert Wood Williamson (1856–1932) was a British solicitor and anthropologist who worked extensively in New Guinea and Polynesia. Originally published in 1933, this book forms one of two volumes by Williamson on the religious, mythical and cosmic structures of Central Polynesia. The work was unfinished at the time of Williamson's death, but it was considered near enough completion to be published posthumously in its final form. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development of anthropology and the religious cultures of Polynesia.

Bibliography and abbreviations
General reference map
1. Myths of creation
2. Myths of creation (creation by gods, and observations)
3. The sky
4. The sun and moon
5. The stars
6. The winds
7. Months and seasons
8. The days
9. Conceptions of the soul and other things
10. The soul during life
11. Some death customs
12. The soul after death (preliminary)
13. The soul after death (Samoa)
14. The soul after death (Tonga)
15. The soul after death (Society Islands).

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC]