History of the Movements 1855–1967

Summary

In the historical survey of the movements dating back to 1855 45 movements are described. Even though the data for some of the movements are extremely scanty, their character could be made out by analogy with other movements.

Except for the one of 1855, in which resistance to the payment of tribute to Tidore (which dominated the northwestern part of New Guinea) is apparent, there is no reaction to foreigners in the earliest movements. It is apparent from the further course of events that not only in the myths but also in the proclamations of the forerunners of the movements foreigners and their goods were interpreted in a mythical way. The discovery of the West and contact with Europeans, who at first were regarded as ancestors returned to life, led to the introduction of various foreigners in the myths. Gradually, however, a demythologization took place and the increasing acculturation gave rise to mental resistance, the results of which are becoming increasingly apparent in the myths and the movements. In the movements the various mythical centers of power make themselves felt. Kinship, sometimes even via the matrilineal line, with the Old Man, appears to be very important to the function of a konoor (the herald of the returning Messiah).

There are various areas, even some peopled by Biak emigrants, which keep aloof from them, though the movements transcend the cultural and linguistic frontiers. The determining factor here appears to be that the background and actual content of the culture adopted by the emigrants were not compatible with the nature of the movement.