Headhunters, Cannibals and Missionaries of Solomon Islands

Book excerpt: A memoir by his daughter of the Australian missionary Allan Cropp who in 1921 accepted a call to a mission on Buka in the Solomon Islands. His arrival coincided with a period of headhunting, cannibalism, superstition and witchcraft. The book explores in detail the customs, lifestyle, illness and diseases of the indigenous people, and the changes to these through education during the years from 1922 to 1939. It also describes the European lifestyle of that era, including raising a family on the island and the difficulties of returning to Australian life. The book includes a comprehensive dictionary of Petats and English words compiled by Allan and illustrated by Louisa Cropp.