Lifou Isle, New Claedonia, Pacific Ocean
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Lifou Isle, New Claedonia, Pacific Ocean
Converted Cannibals of Lifou Isle (Drehu), Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, Pacific Ocean (a French Overseas territory). Date: 1910
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Media ID 11579073
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Archipelago Caledonia Caledonian Cannibal Cannibalism Cannibals Converted Elderly Inhabitants Islanders Isle Loyalty Missionary Overseas Pacific Population Territory
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a poignant moment in the history of Lifou Isle, part of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia, Pacific Ocean. The image, taken in 1910, depicts a group of elderly Drehu men from the indigenous population of Lifou, who were once infamous for their practice of cannibalism. By this time, however, the islanders had largely embraced Christianity, thanks to the efforts of missionaries who had been working in the region since the late 19th century. The conversion of the Lifou Islanders marked a significant turning point in their history. The Drehu people, who had once lived in a state of relative isolation, were now part of a larger global community. The photograph shows the men dressed in European-style clothing, a clear indication of the cultural shifts that were taking place. Despite the progress towards modernization, the image also conveys a sense of the past. The men's faces bear the marks of a hard life, and their postures suggest a deep sense of contemplation. The backdrop of the lush, tropical landscape adds to the sense of timelessness. The population of Lifou Isle at the time was estimated to be around 5,000, with the majority living in small villages scattered across the island. The islanders continued to maintain their traditional customs and beliefs, while also adapting to the new ways brought by the missionaries and the French colonial administration. This photograph is a powerful reminder of the complex and nuanced history of the Lifou Islanders, and the ways in which they have navigated the intersection of tradition and modernity. It is also a testament to the enduring power of cultural transformation and the resilience of communities in the face of change.
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