Tik Merauke: An Epidemic Like No Other

This compelling book investigates the causes of a unique epidemic in New Guinea in 1902 by exploring the lives and rituals of the Marind people, missionaries, anthropologists, doctors, administrators, film makers, and bird hunters. It reveals how the discovery of an effective medicine brought relief, but the coercive resettlement of the Marind into model villages has left a troubled legacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Melbourne University Press

A captivating exploration of culture, colonialism, and an epidemic in New Guinea

In 1902, when the Dutch government took measures to halt the practice of headhunting among the Marind people of New Guinea, their actions inadvertently triggered a series of new epidemics among a population already grappling with low fertility rates. One such epidemic was Donovanosis, a rare and newly recognized sexually transmitted infection that had no known cure. This captivating book delves into the origins of this unique epidemic by immersing readers in the lives and rituals of the Marind, as well as those of missionaries, anthropologists, doctors, administrators, film makers, and bird hunters who were caught up in the unfolding events.

Tik Merauke, a village in Marind, serves as a focal point for this narrative. The author vividly portrays how the discovery of an effective medicine brought relief to the affected communities, but also highlights the devastating consequences of the coercive resettlement of the Marind into model villages. The resettlement process, driven by colonial aspirations, disrupted traditional ways of life and imposed Western values and practices, leaving a troubled legacy that continues to impact the surviving Marind people today.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the book sheds light on the complex interplay of cultural, historical, and medical factors that contributed to the outbreak of Donovanosis and its long-lasting impact on the Marind communities. It raises important questions about the ethical implications of colonialism, the impact of scientific advancements on indigenous societies, and the ongoing struggles for cultural identity and autonomy.

This book is a valuable addition to the literature on New Guinea and offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on a critical chapter in its history. It will appeal to scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of cultural encounters, colonialism, and the human impact on the natural world.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 233 x 153 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780522878141