Colonial intervention brought disruption, suppressing traditions and introducing new technologies that reshaped Papuan society. This study offers a historical overview, analyzing motivations, rituals, and social structures related to headhunting. It draws from ethnographic accounts, missionary records, and oral histories, providing a balanced account of Papuan traditions.
The book progresses by first establishing the pre-colonial context, then delving into the origins and societal functions of headhunting, and finally analyzing the impact of colonial contact and its contemporary legacy, addressing controversies and emphasizing cultural context.