Los 4247

New Hebrides Archipelago
Tribes of the New Hebrides

Aus dem Katalog
Fotografie des 19. – 21. Jahrhunderts (Katalog nur online verfügbar)
Auktionsdatum 4.12.2024

Photographer: Martin and Osa Johnson (attributed to, 1884-1937, 1894-1953). Tribes of the New Hebrides. 1917/19. 13 vintage gelatin silver prints. Between circa 12 x 16 cm (10) and 18 x 25 cm (3). Most annotated in pencil in French on the verso.

This small collection of 13 photographs shows rare and early images of various tribes of the New Hebrides archipelago, which lies between the Solomon Islands and Fiji to the east of Australia. The natives are also known for their cannibalism, which was still practiced at this time. This collection includes some group portraits of the so-called Big Nambas tribes of northern Malekula and two very rare images of the chief Nagapate of the Big Nambas. The special body ornaments of the men and women, which can be seen on several images, are particularly interesting. Another image shows a dancing-ground in the forest surrounded by ceremonial drums with carved faces. The photos were most likely taken by the famous American explorers and adventurers Osa and Martin Johnson, who can be seen in two of the photographs. Several of these images were illustrated in Martin Johnson's book Cannibal-Land. – Handling marks/creases, some with fading/discoloration, some tears, otherwise some in good condition.

Lit.: Martin Johnson. Cannibal-Land. Adventures with a Camera in the New Hebrides, Boston 1922, ill. pp. 89 and 143.