Ethnological Studies Among The North-West-Central Queensland Aborigines

Walter E. Roth

Brisbane

:

Edmund Gregory, Government Printer

,

1897

.
First Edition.

25cm x 17cm. xvi, 200 pages, 24 plates, some coloured, folding genealogical tree, extensive bibliography. Original cloth, gilt lettering, blind decoration, floral-patterned endpapers. FERGUSON 15115.

The first detailed ethnographic monograph of Aboriginal Australia. This work focuses on the tribes of North-West Queensland, Piita Pitta, Yalarnnga, Yanda, Mayi-Kulan, and many more, contains language tables and detailed observations of customs and behaviour. Includes a chapter on ethno-pornography, with an accompanying plate, graphically detailing sexual customs which are a primary source for debate (both upon publication and today) around genital mutilation and gang rape. A related period newspaper clipping laid in. Walter Edmund Roth (1861-1933) was a physician, anthropologist, and the first Northern Protector of Aboriginals. As an administrator Roth worked tirelessly for the betterment of aboriginal rights against colonial and political forces, though controversy, including “payment” to take photographs of sexual positions for anthropological reasons, hounded him to resignation.

Minor chip to spine crown, fore-edge corners lightly bumped, and a few small soil marks to cloth. Cracking to top of hinges, still firm. Some foxing to final six plates. Good Condition.