Miklouho-Maclay Nikolai Nikolaevich (born 5 (17) July 1846 - death 2 (14) April 1888) - Russian ethnographer, anthropologist and traveler, an outstanding scientist who studied the indigenous population of Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania … The famous Maclay Coast, a section of the northeastern coast of New Guinea, bears his name.
Now probably nobody knows the true length of his routes. Indeed, in addition to the famous 15 months of life on the Maclay Coast, there were many other travels full of dangerous adventures. Precious materials were collected, which would be enough for a dozen travelers.
Origin
The future traveler was born on July 17, 1846 in the village of Rozhdestvenskaya near Borovichi, Novgorod province. The family included immigrants from Germany, Poland, Scotland. His father, Nikolai Miklukha, was a nobleman, but first of all he was proud of his grandfather Stepan - the cornet of one of the Cossack regiments of Little Russia, who distinguished himself in the capture of Ochakov in 1772. He was a railway engineer with the rank of captain and the first head of the Nikolaevsky railway station in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, the death of his father greatly affected the financial situation of the family. Nikolai was 11 years old by that time. The widow with 5 children experienced serious financial difficulties, but was able to give the children a good education.
Early years. Youth. Training
Kolya was sent to the German "School of St. Anne" in St. Petersburg, but later he was transferred to the Second St. Petersburg gymnasium. But in the sixth grade, the boy was expelled for academic failure and violation of discipline. This, however, could not prevent the future scientist in 1863 from entering the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at the University of St. Petersburg as a volunteer. Nikolai was also soon expelled from there, despite the not entirely intelligible wording - "… he repeatedly violated the rules established for these persons during his stay in the university building" (that is, volunteers). The young man was expelled with a "wolf ticket", that is, without the right to study at other universities in Russia. To continue my education, I had to go abroad.
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1864 - the young man entered the philosophy department of one of the best European universities in Heidelberg. But soon the student became disillusioned with philosophy and took up medicine. After some time, he moved to Jena.
At that time, there was heated debate among natural scientists about various theories about the origin of man. Some argued that all the peoples of the world descended from a single ancestor, others defended the opposite point of view. Among them, many believed that "colored" peoples were closer to animals than Europeans. Undoubtedly, Nikolai could not help but be interested in these problems, but an important event happened in his life, which temporarily pushed these interests aside.
Expedition to Madeira and the Canary Islands
Ernst Haeckel, a well-known natural scientist and a staunch supporter of Darwin's ideas, taught at the University of Jena. The new student soon attracted the attention of the professor, and in 1866 he invited him to take part in a trip to Madeira and the Canary Islands as his assistant. After that, getting a taste of field work, Miklouho-Maclay went to Morocco and walked around this unsafe country for a European, then visited Sicily, Spain and France.
Expedition to the Red Sea
At this time, under the influence of Haeckel, he was studying the marine fauna. He continued the same occupation in 1869 on the Red Sea. To avoid clashes with Muslims, the young scientist followed the example of many European travelers, that is, he learned the Arabic language and was transformed into an Arab: he shaved his head, painted his face and put on Arabic clothes. In this form, with a microscope in hand, he wandered along the shores and coral reefs in search of marine life of interest to him. But the unbearable heat, hunger and illness shook his health, he had to return to his homeland.
Ernst Haeckel (left) with assistant Miklouho-Maclay (1866)
Homecoming
In Russia, the young scientist, on the recommendation of Haeckel, began to work under the guidance of one of the patriarchs of Russian science, academician Karl Baer. In addition to the marine fauna, the famous scientist was very interested in the problems of human origin. It was he who approved his young assistant in the need to study primitive peoples for ethnographic and anthropological purposes. Nikolai dreamed of gradually moving north from the tropics, over the course of 8-9 years, to the Okhotsk and Bering Seas. With this idea, he, having enlisted the support of prominent scientists-travelers, began to besiege the Russian Geographical Society, primarily its head, the famous navigator Fyodor Litke.
But by that time in the Russian government, and in the Geographical Society itself, interest in scientific research in the Pacific Ocean had been significantly lost. And nevertheless, Miklouho-Maclay was still able to procure permission to be taken on a Russian naval vessel heading to the area of interest. In the Astrolabe Bay in New Guinea, where no white man had set foot, he, accompanied by two servants, had to disembark and stay there among the Papuans, who were reputed and in fact cannibals. For the needs of the expedition, the Geographical Society allocated an insignificant amount of 1,350 rubles.
First expedition to New Guinea
1870, October 27 - the military corvette “Vityaz” left Kronstadt. His route passed through the Strait of Magellan, so the traveler was able to do some research on the Easter Islands, Tahiti and Samoa. Nikolai Nikolaevich found himself at the main goal of his journey on September 19, 1871. Both the captain of the corvette Nazimov and the seasoned sailors of the Vityaz believed that it was necessary to disembark only accompanied by an armed detachment. But Miklouho-Maclay refused. Together with two servants, Ohlsen and Boy, he went to the shore.
The uninvited guests were greeted with hostility by the Papuans. They were shot, however, with the intention of scaring, not killing. Spears were waved in front of their faces. But the amazing restraint and contempt for Maclay's death, as well as his always even and friendly demeanor, helped to overcome the mistrust. The famous episode can eloquently testify to this: Miklouho-Maclay was able to make himself fall asleep in the presence of the natives who threatened him with weapons. Soon the Papuans were delighted with their guest. They became his friends, often came to visit, brought gifts.
Even people from other islands came to see Tamo-Rus (Russian man). The natives allowed the traveler to measure himself, to cut the hair off his head (albeit in exchange for strands of Maclay's own hair). He could freely move around the island, made excellent sketches, and surveyed the coastline from Cape Croisille to Cape King William. With the help of the owners of the island, Tamo-rus collected unique collections, including human skulls, which are extremely necessary for anthropological research.
The scientist not only studied the Papuans - he shared joy and sorrow with them, healed, talked about distant countries. During his stay, the traveler was able to end the civil wars on the island. The natives paid him with affection, and once even arranged a brides show for him, fearing that the neighbors from Bili-Bili and Bongu would lure the honored guest to their place. We barely managed to get rid of the fate of being the husband of three Papuans at once. Nikolai Nikolaevich said that women make a lot of noise, and he loves silence. This was understandable, and the natives fell behind.
1) Miklouho-Maclay with Papuan Akhmat (1874-75). 2) Miklouho-Maclay in Queensland (1880)
The Man from the Moon
Nevertheless, the Papuans were not at all harmless. Not only the personal qualities of the scientist and his kind attitude towards the natives played a role in their peacefulness. At first, the New Guineans, apparently, considered the traveler kaaram-tamo (Man from the Moon), immortal, therefore they did not touch him, but only frightened him. We must pay tribute to the scientist - he did not flatter himself at the expense of the owners of the island. When Boy was dying of inflammation of the peritoneum, Miklouha-Maclay did not hide that the natives were very interested in whether his servant would die or not. If he dies, then the aliens will not be gods at all, but ordinary people.
It is difficult to say what would have happened if Boy had died in front of the Papuans. Perhaps they would like to be convinced of the scientist's immortality by experience. But this happened at night, Maclay chose not to risk it and dropped the servant's body into the ocean so as not to provoke the natives to aggressive actions. He knew perfectly well about the cannibalism of his dangerous friends and had direct evidence of this. Once, as a gift, along with the fruits of a breadfruit, they brought him pieces of human meat. Guests from the neighboring island Vityaz made it clear to Tamo-Rus, who they liked, that they would never eat it - there are enough others.
But gradually all fears receded into the background, but it became more and more difficult for Maclay to do his work. Ohlsen was a bad helper, he was often ill and was lazy. The researcher was also ruffled by a severe fever, chronic diseases - catarrh of the stomach and intestines - worsened, and leg ulcers appeared. In addition, the products from Vityaz came to an end, and there was very little protein food on the island. The unaccustomed traveler began to weaken, but he continued to investigate even the reactions of his body to local conditions.
On the clipper "Emerald"
Meanwhile, a message was published in German newspapers that Miklouho-Maclay had died. The Russian government sent a clipper "Izumrud" to clarify his fate. 1872, December 19 - he entered Astrolabe Bay. Upon learning that their compatriot was alive, the sailors shouted loudly “Hurray!”, Terribly frightening the natives by this. The collision, however, did not happen.
At first, the scientist, despite his terrible physical condition, flatly refused to leave without finishing his work. He was convinced that the Geographical Society would not give money for a new expedition, and asked only to leave him food. But the captain of the Emerald persuaded the explorer to rest in the Dutch colonial possessions in East India. He knew for sure that soon a scientific expedition would arrive in these places, which would be able to take him with them. After touchingly saying goodbye to the Papuans and promising that he would return, Tamo-Rus, accompanied by the roar of long New Guinean drums, safely departed on board the ship.
In the Philippines, in Singapore, on about. Java
But the next meeting with the Papuans did not happen as soon as the scientist expected. On the way, he came to the conclusion that a comparative study of the Papuans, Melanesians and Filipino Negritos was necessary. To this end, Miklouho-Maclay visited the Philippines, stopped in Singapore, on about. Java, where he lived in the residence of the Governor-General in the city of Beitenzorg. In the city, the name of which means "carefree", the traveler was able to rest, receive medical treatment, and disassemble the materials of the first expedition.
Second trip to New Guinea
1873 - he again went on a long journey, first to about. Amboin in the Southern Moluccan Archipelago, and then on the coast of Papua Coviai New Guinea. There, at Cape Aiva, the scientist built a hut in which he settled. Now his escort numbered 16 people.
One day, the scientist went deep inland to explore the area near Lake Kamaka-Vallar. There he discovered a previously unknown tribe of the Papuans, the Wau-Sirau. Meanwhile, a terrible tragedy broke out on the shore. The local Papuans were attacked by natives from the Kiruru Bay. The Papuans from Kiruru won, and at the same time plundered Maclay's hut, with particular cruelty killed his people, including several women and a child. One of the unfortunates was chopped into pieces right there on the table, probably so as not to waste time on butchering meat later. In addition, the springs near the hut were poisoned.
As it turned out later, the Papuans were looking for Maclay in order to kill him. They were incited to this by a longtime ill-wisher of Tama-Rusa, the head of one of the nearby villages by the name of Sushi. A few days later, a large detachment repeated the attack, but the scientist and the surviving members of his group managed to get to Fr. Aydum.
Soon Susi appeared on the island with a detachment. Maclay, apparently distinguished by desperate courage, upon learning of this, calmly finished his coffee, took a pistol and, accompanied by only two people, went to the pie, on which the robbers arrived. Susi was not visible. The thatched roof made it impossible to look deep into the boat. Then Maclay pulled off the roof, grabbed the huge Papuan by the throat and put a pistol to his temple. Susi's companions did not dare to intervene even when their commander was tied up. He was later handed over to the Dutch authorities. Maclay and his companions were no longer disturbed.
After finishing his work, the scientist returned to Amboin, where he fell seriously ill with a fever. For a long time they did not know anything about him in Europe. The British government ordered the captain of one of their warships to urgently search. He completed the task, but found the researcher in such a state that he did not doubt his imminent death. But the strength of the spirit of Tamo-rus was again able to defeat death. He again continued research on the Malacca Peninsula, where in the upper reaches of the river. Pahan found the remains of the dying Oran Sekai (Semang) tribe, but due to attacks of fever, he was forced to go to Singapore.
Travel map of Miklouho-Maclay
Return to Astrolabe Bay
Barely recovering from his illness, Miklouho-Maclay in 1876 visited Fr. Yap (Caroline Islands), Admiralty Islands, and then fulfilled his promise and returned to Astrolabe Bay.
Here Tamo-Ruso was greeted with delight. For several days, the holiday of communication with old acquaintances lasted. The old hut was destroyed by earthquakes and ants, but the sailors from the ship and the natives built a new one. Maclay himself planted palm trees around it and set up a new vegetable garden. The scientific work was continued. For 17 months, the scientist was able to research 150 Papuans, collect unique information about Papuan dances, everyday pantomimes, and holidays.
It was clear that the natives were deeply in love with their unusual friend. However, the question of the immortality of the Man from the Moon still tormented them. Once one of the natives, whom the traveler had once saved his life, directly asked if he could die. The scientist did not want to lie to his friend and found a Solomon solution. He took the spear and handed it over to the native so that he himself could find out the question of interest to him. The calculation was correct: he could not raise his hand against Tamo-Rus.
Days and months passed quickly. In addition to the researcher's fever, neuralgia was also added. Therefore, when a British schooner accidentally approached the shore, he decided to leave New Guinea. Promising to return, he warned his friends that evil white people could come here, who would kill and take people into slavery.
Third trip to the Maclay Coast
In 1881 and 1883. Maclay visited the islands of New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Santa Cruz, the Admiralty and again collected a significant amount of material on anthropology, ethnography, zoology and geography. 1883 - he visited the Maclay Coast for the third - and last - time, but lived there for only eight days. Sad changes awaited him here. Merchants of "black goods" visited the shore. Many friends have been killed or died. Leaving the Papuans a bull, a cow, a goat and a goat, the seeds of corn and other plants, Maclay went back to Sydney. Doctors have long warned that the tropics have a detrimental effect on his health, and the climate in Australia, on the contrary, is favorable.
Sydney. Marriage
Sydney was well known to the scientist. There, with his direct participation, a zoological station was created. In this he was actively supported by the Prime Minister of the Australian state of New South Wales, Sir John Robertson. His daughter, 22-year-old Margaret, soon became Maclay's dearest person. The young woman answered him in return. Despite the serious obstacles that arose due to the difference of faiths, the lovers nevertheless connected. Maclay obtained the Tsar's permission to consecrate the marriage according to the Protestant rite. And the Orthodox rite was performed three years later in Vienna, on the way to Russia.
Death
The couple lived together for only 4 years. 1887 - with two young sons, they arrived in St. Petersburg. The traveler did not manage to finish processing the materials of the expeditions. Only part of his colossal work was published in German and Russian magazines. Failed and his attempts to protect the natives from violence from European countries. 1888 Germany declared New Guinea its possession. Miklouho-Maclay managed to protest, but on April 14 of the same year he died in St. Petersburg. He was only 41 years old.
Memory
Margaret and her children returned to Sydney. Everything from her husband's legacy, which was of the slightest scientific value, she transferred to the museums of St. Petersburg and Sydney. For the remaining 48 years of her life, she honored the memory of Nikolai Nikolayevich and raised her children and grandchildren with a sense of reverent memory of her father and grandfather. Their descendants now live in Australia and cherish the memory of their amazing ancestor.
Miklouho-Maclay Nikolai Nikolaevich's titanic research work resulted in strong evidence that the "wild" peoples of New Guinea, Malaya, Australia, Oceania, and therefore other non-European territories, are completely equal to the so-called "civilized" peoples of the planet. He studied the biological and physiological properties of the brain of dark-skinned people, the structure of their skulls, and on this basis, boldly, contrary to the assertion of many fans of the racial superiority of whites (and even then not all whites), declared: there are no racial differences in the functioning of the brain among the peoples of the Earth.
A. Khoroshevsky