Reports of the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits: Volume 5, Sociology, Magic and Religion of the Western Islanders

This volume examines the societies and belief structures of the indigenous peoples living in the western islands of the Strait.

A. C. Haddon (Author), W. H. R. Rivers (Author), C. G. Seligmann (Author), A. Wilkin (Author)

9780521179898, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 February 2011

456 pages
27.9 x 2.3 x 21 cm, 1.02 kg

Alfred Cort Haddon (1855–1940) was a highly influential British anthropologist and ethnologist who was instrumental in the foundation of a school of anthropology at Cambridge University. During 1898 and 1899, Haddon led an expedition which conducted ethnographical research in the Torres Strait, New Guinea, and Borneo. The main results of this expedition were compiled in a series of volumes, containing contributions from a diverse range of specialists. Originally published in 1904, this is the fifth in that series. The text contains information on the societies and belief structures of the indigenous peoples living in the western islands of the Strait. A large number of illustrative figures are also included, demonstrating a broad variety of traditional practices. This is a fascinating book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development of anthropology and ethnology.

Introduction A. C. Haddon
1. Folk tales A. C. Haddon
Genealogical tables W. H. R. Rivers
2. Genealogies W. H. R. Rivers
3. Kinship W. H. R. Rivers
4. Totemism A. C. Haddon and W. H. R. Rivers
5. Birth and childhood customs C. G. Seligmann
6. Women's puberty customs C. G. Seligmann
7. Initiation A. C. Haddon
8. Courtship and marriage A. C. Haddon
9. The regulation of marriage W. H. R. Rivers
10. Funeral ceremonies A. C. Haddon
11. Regulation of public life A. C. Haddon
12. Morals A. C. Haddon
13. Personal names W. H. R. Rivers
14. Land tenure and inheritance A. Wilkin
15. Trade A. C. Haddon
16. Warfare A. C. Haddon and A. Wilkin
17. Tales of the war-path A. Wilkin
18. Magic and religion A. C. Haddon, C. G. Seligmann and A. Wilkin.

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