Description
The dominant type of New Guinea and Melanesian islands. The name derives from melas (Greek) = black, and nesos = island. Probably developed through various migrations from South-East Asia during the Paleolithic and Neolithic.
Although features sometimes appear Sub-Saharan African, no close relationship exists, and they result from convergent evolution. The superficial resemblance is due to adaptations to similar tropical environments rather than recent common ancestry.
Varieties
Besides the Insular Melanesid proper, a more gracile, long-nosed Neo Melanesid variety is found among Papuans. Mountain Melanesids show very robust features, while Tapirids are among the shortest people of the world. In the Western Solomon Islands, a very dark Bukaid variety exists. A very ancient, Australoid variety is the Paleo Melanesid.
Historical Context
The Melanesid populations represent some of the earliest human migrations into Oceania, with archaeological evidence suggesting presence in the region for over 40,000 years. Their isolation on islands led to distinctive physical characteristics through both genetic drift and environmental adaptation.
Physical Traits
Height: Variable
Build: Robust
Limbs: Long
Face: Robust, often with supraorbital arches
Nose: Wide, relatively high
Lips: Full
Skin: Medium brown to black
Hair texture: Tight-curly
The Melanesid type is characterized by medium brown to black skin with tight-curly hair typical of tropical populations. Robust facial features include prominent supraorbital arches in many individuals, wide and relatively high noses, and full lips. The overall build is robust with long limbs, though height varies considerably between different populations and varieties. The head shape and facial structure show distinctive characteristics that evolved independently from Sub-Saharan African populations despite some superficial similarities.
Literature References
The Melanesid type has been extensively documented in anthropological literature, with various naming conventions reflecting different classification systems and regional focuses.
- Bory (1827) - Homo Melanicus
- Montandon (1933) - Papouasienne
- Eickstedt (1934) - Melanesid
- Hooton (1946) - Melanesian-Papuan
- Coon et al. (1950) - Melanesian
- Cheboksarov (1951) - Melanesian
- Cole (1965) - Melanesian
- Biasutti (1967) - Papua-Melanesiana
- Vallois (1968) - Mélanésienne
- Debets (1974) - Melanesian
- Vogel (1974) - Melanesid
- Alexeev (1979) - Melanesian
- Knussmann (1996) - Melanesid
