Torres Strait Islanders Custom And Colonialism by Jeremy Beckett

The Torres Strait Islanders are Australia's 'other' indigenous minority. Their experience of colonialism and their reaction to their position in Australian society provides a striking counterpoint to that of the Aborigines. The author applies many years of study and work among the Torres Strait Islanders to provide a new account of their changing world in the islands and their changing role in Australia. A Melanesian people, the Torres Strait Islanders' cultural affinities originally lay with the Papuans to the north rather than the Aborigines to the south. But by the logic of European colonialism, they were made a part of the State of Queensland. The pearling industry has exploited their labour, but left them in occupation of their islands. The Queensland government has allowed them a degree of autonomy in local affairs which many would contrast with its approach to Aborigines.

Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Year:	1987
Binding:	Paperback
ISBN:	9780521378628
Condition:	Good
Description:	Review copy.

Note: This image is from a stock photo and may differ from the actual cover.

SKU: 1595350
Location: Pacific