Essays in Polynesian Ethnology

This book was first published in 1939. Its author, Robert W. Williamson, died in 1933. The volume was subsequently completed, and carefully edited, by Ralph Piddington, who drew upon Williamson’s research at length in order to speculate whether the formation of a cohesive ethnology of Polynesia could be possible. This fascinating volume draws upon work within the field as well as historical and theoretical study, and is itself a valuable investigation of Polynesia’s people. Williamson and Piddington discuss patterns of migration between these pacific islands and from Polynesia to Oceania, before speculating on the effects this has on the islands’ own history and culture. The authors also place particular emphasis on the laws and traditions of Polynesians, their personal and political relationships, and their views on war, courtship and matrimony. The investigations of Williamson and Piddington are further supported by a number of photographs showing tribal dress, dance, and ceremony.