The home-life of Borneo head-hunters

Name: The home-life of Borneo head-hunters
Author: William Henry Furness

By William Henry Furness

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About This Book

The text offers a detailed ethnographic portrait of interior Borneo riverine communities, focusing on daily home life, social customs, festivals, and material culture among Kayan and Kenyah peoples. It records naming ceremonies, youth training for warfare, the organization and conduct of head-hunting expeditions and peace-making rituals, and practices of tattooing, ornamentation, and tabu observances. Chapters describe food production, fishing and camphor collection, domestic architecture, and relations with traders, interweaving first-person observations with illustrations and plates to show craftsmen, musical instruments, and ritual objects.

About the Author

William Henry Furness

William Henry Furness was an American Unitarian minister and author known for his contributions to anthropology and folklore. His works often explore the cultural practices of indigenous peoples, particularly in Borneo. Among his notable writings is "Folk-lore in Borneo," which delves into the rich traditions and customs of the region's inhabitants. Furness also delivered significant discourses, such as "A Discourse for the Time," reflecting his engagement with contemporary social issues. His scholarly approach and dedication to understanding diverse cultures have left a lasting impact on the study of folklore and anthropology.