An Investigation of the Sociology and Religion of the Andamanese

Abstract

THE inhabitants of the Andaman Islands have long been recognised as one of the most primitive races of mankind. By their geographical position and their ferocity towards strangers, they were practically isolated from the rest of, the world until 1858. The tribes of the Great Andaman, which constitute by far the largest part of the whole race, are rapidly diminishing in numbers, and are fast forgetting their ancient lore; the next half-century will witness their entire extinction. It was thus highly desirable that a full investigation should be made of these interesting pygmies before it was too late. Through the labours of Mr. E. H. Man and the publications of Sir Richard Temple and Mr. M. V. Portman, a good deal was known concerning the general life of the people, their language, and other subjects, more particularly those of the southern tribes of the Great Andaman. Owing to recent developments in the studies of comparative sociology and religion, it was desirable that Mr. Man's observation should be confirmed and extended.