Negritoes in Borneo

Abstract

HAVING had inquiries addressed to me as to the existence of a Negrito race in Borneo, I think it maybe useful to recall attention to, and possibly save from oblivion, a statement on this subject which was published by Windsor Earl in the Journal of the East Indian Archipelago. Mr. Earl says that a Capt. Brownrigg, who had been shipwrecked on the east coast of Borneo, informed him (J.E.I.A., No. 9) that he had lived several months at a town some distance up the Berau River, and that during his stay the town was once visited by a small party of men from the interior, “who must have been of the Papuan race” (sic). He described them as being short, strongly-built people, black in complexion, with hair so short and curly that the head appeared to be covered with little knobs like peas; and with many raised scarifications over the breast and shoulders. He described them as being on good terms with the people of the town, mostly Bugis, and as supplying them occasionally with jungle produce.