Two Years Among the Savages of New Guinea. With Introductory Notes on North Queensland. Book Summary

Published in 1893, Two Years Among the Savages of New Guinea by the Reverend A.H. Lewis offers a fascinating, albeit deeply problematic by modern standards, glimpse into the life of a missionary in New Guinea during the late 19th century. Lewis details his experiences living with and attempting to convert the Papuan people, alongside observations about the colonial context of North Queensland, where he briefly resided. It’s a product of its time – a blend of earnest religious conviction, Victorian-era ethnocentrism, and genuine attempts at understanding a culture vastly different from his own.

The book primarily chronicles Reverend Lewis’s two years spent working as a missionary in the British New Guinea Protectorate (now Papua New Guinea). He details the challenges of establishing a mission station, learning the local languages (Motu and Papua), and navigating the complex social and political landscape of the region. He describes the customs, beliefs, and daily lives of the Papuan people, focusing heavily on what he perceives as their 'savage' practices – including warfare, cannibalism, and traditional religious rituals – and his efforts to replace them with Christianity and Western civilization. The initial chapters provide a somewhat disjointed account of his journey *to* New Guinea, including time spent in North Queensland, Australia, observing the Aboriginal population and the impact of colonial settlement.

One of the most striking takeaways from the book is the stark contrast between Lewis’s worldview and that of the Papuan people. He consistently judges their customs through a Victorian Christian lens, viewing anything that doesn't align with his beliefs as primitive or immoral. For example, he is horrified by the practice of headhunting, failing to understand its complex role in Papuan social structures and beliefs about power and spiritual protection. This highlights the inherent biases in early anthropological and missionary work, and the danger of imposing one's own cultural values onto others. It’s a powerful lesson in the importance of cultural relativism – the idea that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that person's culture, not judged by the standards of another.

The book also vividly illustrates the devastating impact of colonialism on indigenous populations. While Lewis often expresses concern for the well-being of the Papuans, his ultimate goal is their assimilation into Western culture. He doesn’t seem to recognize, or perhaps doesn't prioritize, the preservation of their unique way of life. The arrival of Europeans brought with it not only religion but also disease, exploitation, and the disruption of traditional social systems. Lewis details instances of conflict arising from land disputes and the imposition of European laws, demonstrating the inherent power imbalance and the violence that often accompanied colonial expansion. This is a crucial reminder of the lasting legacy of colonialism and the need for ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and decolonization.

Finally, despite its biases, Two Years Among the Savages offers a valuable, if limited, window into the resourcefulness and adaptability of the Papuan people. Lewis describes their intricate knowledge of the natural environment, their sophisticated hunting and fishing techniques, and their complex social hierarchies. He also recounts instances of their resistance to European encroachment, demonstrating their agency and determination to maintain their autonomy. While he often misinterprets their motivations, his observations nonetheless provide glimpses of a vibrant and resilient culture. Even in his attempts to 'civilize' them, he acknowledges their intelligence and capability, albeit often framing it as potential that needs to be 'guided' by Western influence.

This book is ideal for readers interested in:

• Missionary history: Provides a first-hand account of missionary work in the late 19th century.
• Early anthropology: Offers insights into early European attempts to understand and document indigenous cultures, though it’s important to read it critically.
• Colonial history: Illustrates the dynamics of colonial power and the impact on native populations.
• Pacific Island history: Focuses on a specific region and people during a pivotal period.
• Historical linguistics: Includes some attempts at documenting and understanding local languages.

However, be warned: the language and perspectives are heavily influenced by Victorian-era biases and may be offensive to modern readers. It requires a critical and historical mindset to appreciate its value.

Yes, absolutely. While the book itself is a product of a problematic past, it remains a critical text for understanding the history of colonialism, missionary work, and the development of anthropological thought. Its value lies not in accepting its conclusions at face value, but in analyzing its biases and recognizing the power dynamics at play. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ethnocentrism and the importance of respecting cultural diversity. To further understand the context and ongoing effects of these historical forces, a follow-up read is crucial.

Two Years Among the Savages of New Guinea is a challenging but rewarding read. It’s a stark reminder of the complexities of cross-cultural encounters and the often-destructive consequences of colonialism. While deeply flawed in its perspective, it offers a unique and valuable historical document that continues to resonate today, prompting reflection on our own biases and the importance of understanding different cultures on their own terms.