Cannibalism, Colonization, and the "Civilizing Mission" in Oceania

Abstract

Both colonialism and cannibalism have been the topic of many papers about Oceania, but few look at them together. In many other colonized countries, such as the discovery and colonization of the Americas, fear-mongering about cannibals aided in the ingroup/outgroup bias that the colonizers, and therefore settlers, held. Taking this into account, this article’s purpose was to determine if there is a correlation between the ritualistic cannibalism practiced within the regions of Oceania (Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia) and the colonialism that invaded the region, and if there is a correlation, the effects cannibalism had on colonization. Authoritative texts and first-hand accounts were analyzed for records of cannibalism within these geographical regions. Additionally, records of the colonization in Oceania were studied for mention of anthropophagy. Multiple accounts from the same place and time were scrutinized so as to determine the true account. After analysis, only some islands and peoples were more heavily targeted due to the cannibalism practiced, even if the records claiming this were uncredited and false. While in modern times, cannibalism seems to be a focus for specific regions of Oceania for tourism and sensationalism; however, during the colonialism era, it was noticed in only a few locations and groups, and rarely used against the indigenous people.