Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller's Tragic Quest for Primitive Art Author: | Language: English | ISBN:
B00I8PKN4W | Format: EPUB
Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller's Tragic Quest for Primitive Art Description
The mysterious disappearance of Michael Rockefeller in remote New Guinea in 1961 has kept the world, and even Michael's powerful, influential family, guessing for years. Now, Carl Hoffman uncovers startling new evidence that finally tells the full, astonishing story.
On November 21, 1961, Michael C. Rockefeller, the 23-year-old son of New York governor Nelson Rockefeller, vanished off the coast of southwest New Guinea when his catamaran capsized while crossing a turbulent river mouth. He was on an expedition to collect art for the Museum of Primitive Art, which his father had founded in 1957, and his expedition partner - who stayed with the boat and was later rescued - shared Michael's final words as he swam for help: "I think I can make it."
Despite exhaustive searches, no trace of Rockefeller was ever found. Soon after his disappearance, rumors surfaced that he'd been killed and ceremonially eaten by the local Asmat - a native tribe of warriors whose complex culture was built around sacred, reciprocal violence, head hunting, and ritual cannibalism. The Dutch government and the Rockefeller family denied the story, and Michael's death was officially ruled a drowning. Yet doubts lingered. Sensational rumors and stories circulated, fueling speculation and intrigue for decades. The real story has long waited to be told - until now.
Retracing Rockefeller's steps, award-winning journalist Carl Hoffman traveled to the jungles of New Guinea, immersing himself in a world of headhunters and cannibals, secret spirits and customs, and getting to know generations of Asmat. Through exhaustive archival research, he uncovered never-before-seen original documents and located witnesses willing to speak publically after 50 years.
In Savage Harvest he finally solves this decades-old mystery and illuminates a culture transformed by years of colonial rule, whose people continue to be shaped by ancient customs and lore. Combining history, art, col...
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 9 hours and 18 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Audible.com Release Date: March 18, 2014
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00I8PKN4W
In 1961 one of America’s wealthiest icons, Michael Rockefeller, mysteriously disappeared from a safari in New Guinea never to be seen alive again. Now, over half a century later, the details of his vanishing have finally emerged as a result of the determined scholarship and investigation conducted by the author of this excellent book. As its readers will come to learn, the only true mystery all along was the motivation for the Rockefeller family and international politicians to conceal and hide much of the evidence and obscure many facts which would have solved the mystery near the time of Rockefeller’s actual death. This is a fascinating story. One which unveils the underbelly of both primitive societies which, up to that time, still engaged in ritualistic belief that condoned head-hunting & cannibalism and modern societies which condoned lies, half-truths and concealed evidence all in the name of political expediency. You will need to read this book to determine which society, old or new, conducted the most egregious action. The book is a page turner.
By Robert Steven Thomas
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
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