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Savage Harvest

a Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller's Tragic Quest for Primitive Art
Jun 24, 2016Irzabeta rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book is much deeper and thought-provoking than the sensationalist title suggests. True, it is about solving the mystery of what happened to Michael Rockefeller, the wealthy scion who disappeared in remote Dutch New Guinea in the early 60s. The rumors are that he was killed and eaten by native tribespeople and known cannibals. While I personally think we will never know 100 percent for sure without concrete evidence and DNA tests, he makes a compelling and plausible case using circumstantial evidence. The book is about more than Michael Rockefeller though. It’s about the colonial and village events that possibly led to his death. Nothing happens in a vacuum. It’s also about the Asmat indigenous themselves, their culture and the spiritual beliefs that gave rise to cannibalism. I think he raises important questions about the obtaining of “primitive” art by wealthy collectors and the impact of white colonialism on remote villages. Very thought-provoking. I do think he stepped overboard when it came to censuring the Rockefeller family. He doesn’t understand why they didn’t want to pursue the truth in Asmat itself and discover what really happened to Michael. He claims that they left Michael’s spirit to roam untethered and restless in the world. He is the one setting Michael free. I found that presumptuous. I don’t think the family should be criticized for not wanting to dwell on and conjecture about the last moments of Michael’s life. Whatever happened, I think we can be fairly certain he died. If the people who loved him want to shield themselves and remember his life rather than torture themselves with the manner of his death, who is the author to criticize them for that?