People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 August 1893 — THE WORK OF SAVAGES. [ARTICLE]

THE WORK OF SAVAGES.

■*ajr Queer TLilac* In the Australian Exhibit. Interesting, though largely “photographic,” is the Australian collective exhibit in the Anthropological building. Haring joined forces with the British South Sea island possessions, many curious native implements are shown. Inlaid bowls, modeled in carious design, combs, idols, hair pins, paddles and inlaid wooden spears, with one thousand other odds and ends, and photographs bewildering make up the collection. Although chiefly the work of cannabalistic tribes, some beautiful bits of decorative wood and pearl show the artistic in the savage; and, what is more, the Illawarra tribe from New South Wales has an artist whose paintings are on exhibition and highly value! His name was “Mickey,” and he was the shining light of the tribe. “Mickey” wasn’t always an artist For many years he fought and battled with opposing tribes, but from exposure rheumatism set into his joints and he was unable to walk. He lay around hit hut unable to move, and realizing that his days were nearly over he gave up all hope of ever again throwing the friendly boomerang in warfare, and decided to make a name for himself and to prove to the world that he was not an ordinary savage. So he drew pictures of fishes in the water, boats sailing, and trees—in fact, made pictures of his own native heath. Viewed from an artist’s standpoint they are not in harmony with the modern French ideas, but as a savage expression of art are interesting and show great knowledge of form. “Mickey” is dead now, but he has accomplished his ideal and we know he rests in the realm of the great. Mr. Bowman, the superintendent of the exhibit, says ho would speak to no one while at work, but kept away from the tribe, and when his picture was finished would call the chiefs and have a grand dance. “Mickey” was also a “Duk-Duk,” and of course on that account was much respected by the cannibals all over ths Islands. The Duk-Duk is a secret society on the island of Tareyn and is strictly tabu. So strict are the rules of the organization that should an uninitiated boy or woman chance upon the island he or she would be instantly killed or beaten and tortured to death. The belief of the islanders is that the DukDuk are devils, and as they carry bones around their neck which when shaken make a great rattle, the superstition is that the Duk-Duk’s bones are not in the body, but outside, and they shake in the wind. Should a Duk-Duk visit another island sqge death would befall the chief of the island visited. The Bystem of Duk-Duk has lodges all over the island, and Mr. Bowman says that they are organized purely for the purpose of promoting cannibalism and preventing the white man from civilizing and instructing them.