Biographical entry: Piripita ( - 1963)

Died

1963

Details

In 1913, Piripita from Malaita was employed on Joroveto plantation on Vella Lavella, but after suffering mental problems he ran away and lived in the bush until his death in 1963. After initial attempts to capture him, the authorities left him alone. People knew that he lived in the mountains, and he became known as 'Wild Peter of Vella Lavella', but he stayed away from all other humans until March 1962, when he came to Simbilando village and requested fire, food and tobacco. Villagers left out gifts for him at night. A hunting party found his body in December 1963. (NS 15 Jan. 1964)

Published resources

Journals

• British Solomon Islands Protectorate (ed.), British Solomon Islands Protectorate News Sheet (NS), 1955-1975. Details