The Point Pleasant register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, W. Va.) 1909-1939, 1910-06-15

80 ASls1lAO Vi view IulUeN are
known as the Papuans, race
which is found in its purest
and most typical form in the
northwestern portion OF the
island. but which spreads west
70 the Island OF Flores and eastward
TO the Fiji islands. Since the begin
ming Of the sixteenth century. when
Europeans first discovered New
Guinea. its inhabitants have been
known by the above name, which is
said to be derived from the Malayan
papuwa or puwah.puwah. meaning
"woolly-haired" Professor Keane
says the Papuan is zone of the most
strilingly distinct types OF mankind"
and though the natives in southern
and eastern New Guinea differ widely
not only from the type. but also
among themselves in many ways. the
typical individual exhibits such
marked characteristics. both mentally
and physically. that he forms an extra.
ordinary contrast with the Malays on
the one hand and with the Australians
and brown Polynesians on the other.
Like all others. the natives of New
Guinea have no doubt. intermingled
with these surrounding peoples. and
Malays have settled in some parts of
the island and Australians and PGly-
nesians in others.
The typical Papuan is taller than
the average European and strongly
built, with large hands and feet. but
his legs are thin and weak. and he is
usually "spur-heeled." The color OF
the skin varies in tint from deep choc-
olate to nearly black The most I'm
portant characteristic OF the face is
the nose, which is large and promi.
neut and through the septum is thrust
a nose-bar, usually made Of shell. bone
or wood. The hair. which is frizzly.
dry and sdn, is usually worn in an
enormous mop. to the training OF
which much time and attention is de-
voted. Sometimes It is arranged in
tassels round the head. and various
other fashions are occasionally adopt
ed. It is frequently decorated, espe-
cially on festal occasions, with bright
ly-colored flowers Of the hibiscus and
with plumes Of birds Of paradise. and,
among the purer race one OF the most
characteristic decorations IS a long
comb made Of split bamboo and orna.
mented with feathers OF parrots, etc,
which projects above the forehead for
a foot or more. Necklaces OF shells.
teeth and bones, as well as bracelets,
armlets and anklets, are much worn,
also arm-bands Of grass, which serve
as pockets, In which small articles
can be tucked away. The breast and
arms are often decorated with raised
scars, and the face and body are FIRE.
quently painted with red, yellow.
white and black. Unlike the Malay,
the Papuan IS described as impuIsive
and demonstrative in speech. his ma.
ture is joyous and open. his emotions
and passions finding expressions in
cries, laughter and boisterous ges-
lures. Both men and women in parts
OF the northern coast 90 about en-.
tirely naked. but usually the former
wear small breech-cloth OF bark and
the latter short petticoat OF woven
grass. Their houses are generally
built on piles, and. as IN Borneo are
often communal and OF very large
size, many families occupying one
building, which may vary in length
from 500 to 700 feet. There are also
club-houses. where gatherings take
place on festal occasions. The re.
markable houses built IN high trees
and known as "dobbos" seem 10 be
peculiar TO British New Guinea. and
are, apparently. chiefly used in time
of danger
The natives Of Papua are. as a rule.
Indifferent seamen, and as a race NAV
be described as agriculturists. their
chief crops being sweet potatoes,
vans, bananas and sugar-cane. Their
domestic animals are pigs. dogs and
fowls, all OF which are eaten, as vel
as various Wild animals, reptiles fish.
mollusks and insects. Cannibalisn.
though not universal. prevails in a
great many districts. The native girls
make great pets of the young pigs.
Pnd. Ike Alice in Wonderland" may
be seen carrying them about in their
arms and caressing them. The bow
and arrow and the club are the YEA.
pons most commonly used, while
spears, tipped with hardened bamboo
or bone. and knives and axes made o:
Jade. are met with and highly priced
by collectors OF chronological objects
AS people their artistic skin is very