The History of Melanesian Society: Volume 2
Volume II

This two-volume work from 1914 presents William Halse Rivers' theory of the diffusion of culture in the south-west Pacific.

William Halse Rivers Rivers (Author)

9781107419346, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 August 2014

618 pages
24.4 x 17 x 3.2 cm, 0.97 kg

William Halse Rivers (1864–1922) was a groundbreaking physician, psychologist and anthropologist in the early twentieth century, chiefly remembered for his work on the psychological disorders produced by the First World War. In this two-volume work from 1914, he presents his theory of the diffusion of culture in the south-west Pacific. Volume Two details the many similarities and differences among the societies of Melanesia and the possible ways in which these contrasts could have arisen. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of anthropology or the Pacific islands.

15. Handel
16. The morphological comparison of systems of relationship
17. Melanesian gerontocracy
18. Social organisation
19. Descent, inheritance and succession
20. Marriage
21. Communism
22. Functions of relatives
23. The linguistic comparison
24. Secret societies
25. Tikopia
26. Kava and Betel
27. Beliefs and ceremonial connected with death
28. Migrations
29. Immigrant influence on social organisation
30. Totemism
31. Decorative art
32. Communism and money
33. Religion and magic
34. Sun and moon, stone-work, incision, tattooing
35. Material culture
36. Language
37. The Bismark Archipelago
38. The dual organisation
39. Conclusions
Index to volumes 1 and 2.

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