Tik Merauke: An Epidemic Like No Other

When the Dutch government moved to stop headhunting by the Marind people of New Guinea in 1902, their actions unleashed new epidemics among a population already suffering from low fertility. Donovanosis (Tik Merauke in Marind), a rare, newly recognised sexually transmitted infection for which no medicine was available, affected huge numbers. This compelling book investigates the causes of this unique epidemic by exploring the fascinating lives and rituals of the Marind along with those of t...