Social Inequalities And
p. 44 · Read in the full issue
The Papuan Natives
From Our Own Correspondent.
Pt. Moresby, Dec. 20.
ABOOK of unusual interest to soci ologists, students of native custom, and the ordinary reader, is “The Origin of the Inequality of the Social Classes”, by Gunnar Landtman. (Kegan Paul, 1938. 21/-).
Dr. Dandtman, who made a close study ?^^ h i e o^ iwai^apU^S d + U T g th l y Sl rs ls nothing if not thorough. The Q 2 n s nn Pag6S f ° f text a + e supp °J‘. t nea J*ly references to published works, wb l * 6 authorities quoted number more man yuu.
The book is dedicated “in gratitude and admiration” to Sir Hubert Murray; and, in spite of its formidable propor tions, is written in a lucid and easy style, entirely free from the affected and irritating language of the anthropolo gists.
It is packed with interesting detail concerning the beginning and cause of social distinctions among primitive peoples; and, once opened, is not easy to put aside, until the last page has been read.
The section on “Priesthood”, under which the author includes sorcerers and sorcery of all kinds, throws much light on the perplexing problem of native superstitions, and makes it clear that the practice of black and white magic has been inseparable from the early stages of social and economic develop ment in every country of the world, and is one of the commonest causes of early social differentiation.
Mr. Joseph McWhinney has been ap pointed Registrar of the Court of Nor folk Island succeeding Mr. L. V. Bros sey, formerly an officer of the Papuan Public Service.