Papuan Clay-Eaters
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
From Our Own Correspondent
Pt. Moresby, Nov. 27.
TO a tribe on the Fly River, Papua, clay is a dietetic luxury. This fact was discovered by a Patrol Officer who recently returned to the coast from the middle reaches of the river.
The edible clay is pure white when dry, and is found in one locality only.
The tribesmen collect the clay, mould it into balls, and dry it in the sun. When required for use it is scraped into what ever food is being prepared. The natives believe that the clay is strong medicine— that it makes their heads clear and gives them courage in battle.