Carl Lumholtz 
Among Cannibals 
An Account of Four Years’ Travels in Australia and of Camp Life With the Aborigines of Queensland

Carl Lumholtz’s ‘Among Cannibals’ is a captivating ethnographic account that delves deep into the lives and customs of indigenous tribes in North Queensland, Australia. Written in a detailed and immersive style, the book provides a rich exploration of cannibalism, rituals, and social structures of the tribes in the late 19th century. Lumholtz’s meticulous observations and vivid descriptions offer a valuable insight into a culture that was vastly misunderstood and misrepresented during that time period. His empathetic approach and ethnographic expertise shine through in this groundbreaking work, providing a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology. Carl Lumholtz, a Norwegian explorer and ethnographer, was driven by a passion for understanding and documenting the cultures of indigenous peoples. His extensive fieldwork and dedication to research enabled him to create a comprehensive and respectful account of the tribes he encountered. Lumholtz’s background in natural sciences and his adventurous spirit influenced his unique perspective on culture and society, making ‘Among Cannibals’ a seminal work in the study of anthropology. I highly recommend ‘Among Cannibals’ to readers interested in anthropology, ethnography, and cultural studies. Lumholtz’s insightful observations and engaging narrative style make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of indigenous cultures and the complexities of human society.

A propos de l’auteur

Carl Sophus Lumholtz (1851-1922) was a Norwegian ethnographer and explorer whose scholarship predominantly focused on indigenous cultures. With a background in zoology from the University of Oslo, Lumholtz embarked on extensive fieldwork that lead to his profound interest in anthropology. In 1880, he started a four-year expedition to Australia sponsored by the University of Norway. Throughout his stay, Lumholtz lived among various Aboriginal groups, an experience that enriched his anthropological perspective and provided material for his book ‘Among Cannibals’ (1889). This seminal work offers a detailed account of his observations on the habits, customs, and social structures of the Australian indigenous communities he encountered. His writing is characterized by a descriptive and empirical approach, embedded within the ethnographic methodology of the time, which sought to document the cultures under European colonial influence. Lumholtz’s literary style conveys both the admiration and the paternalistic attitudes typical of his era’s anthropological narrative. His other noteworthy publications include ‘Unknown Mexico’ (1902) and ‘New Trails in Mexico’ (1912), which further consolidated his reputation as a keen observer of indigenous cultures. Lumholtz’s contributions lay not only in his ethnographical works but also in bridging the gaps of understanding between disparate cultures during the age of exploration and colonialism.