Post #713203 by Rum Dog on Sun, Apr 6, 2014 7:06 PM

THE STORY OF KAPU

PART 1: THE DISCOVERY OF KAPU IN PAPA NEW GUINEA

For centuries the village of Kapu in Papa New Guinea was secluded and isolated from the outside world. It was not until 1887 (two years after the British annexed the southern coastal area of the island) that this tribal group was first encountered by Westerners.

Conrad Livingstone, the grandson of the famous African explorer David Livingstone, followed his grandfather’s legacy by attempting to carve out a name for himself by exploring this newly annexed territory under the British Crown. He sent back via a messenger to London some of his preliminary journal entries about his findings. He wrote about a beautiful rain forest jungle that was inhabited by exotic and primitive peoples. His journal entries also mentioned a tribal celebratory feast that was in the making that would also include a special alcoholic libation. Conrad was honored that he was invited to partake in the feast and festivities.

Unfortunately Conrad Livingstone was never heard from again. It was not until over 30 years later that German mapmaker Hermann Detzer (who was on the run from Teddy Roosevelt during W.W. I) discovered a camera that was left behind by Livingstone and his men. Some of the pictures ended up in a book that Detzner later published.

Conrad Livingstone with the children of Kapu village.

Kapu Village (1887)

Kapu War Canoe

Kapu Warriors circa 1887

This photo was last picture taken in the camera that was discovered by Detzner.

It looks like the Kapu cannibals feasted well.

Coming soon: Part 2

[ Edited by: Rum Dog 2014-04-07 14:08 ]