By Aurenc Bebja
On Thursday, June 5, 1930, the Appleton Post Crescent published an intriguing article on page 5 detailing the anthropological expedition of American scientist Carleton Stevens Coon and his wife through the mountainous regions of Albania. Through the Dars (Klos), Mat – Albania blog, I have brought this captivating story to light for the Albanian audience.
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Source: Appleton Post Crescent, Thursday, June 5, 1930, Page 5. Image caption: Returning from the expedition—Sleeping with the wife, mother, and three children of an Albanian tribal prince (bottom right) was just one of the experiences of Mrs. C.S. Coon (left) during her journey with her scientist husband (top right). |
What Scientists Are Learning
A Scientist and His Wife on a “Head-Hunting” Adventure Among Albanian Tribes
By Howard W. Blakeslee, Science Editor, Associated Press
Cambridge, Mass.—Anthropology, once perceived as a tame academic field, now offers thrilling adventures as researchers venture into deserts, polar ice fields, and tribal battlegrounds. The study of living cultures, especially among warlike tribes, has breathed new life into this discipline.
Dr. C.S. Coon of the Peabody Museum at Harvard University, his wife, and Frederick Farnsworth recently concluded such an adventurous anthropological expedition in Albania's rugged highlands.
A Unique Welcome in the Highlands
The group's hosts included the tribal chief of Dibra, who, learning that Dr. Coon was skilled with firearms, invited him to a shooting match. With shouts of “Long live America!” the chief watched as Dr. Coon fired a full magazine through a window, responding in kind with a rousing “Long live Albania!”
Despite the camaraderie, the region's volatility soon became evident. The chief invited the expedition to extend their stay for six months, but an urgent message arrived overnight warning of an impending attack. By dawn, over 15 men had perished in a skirmish before the king's forces restored order.
Daily Life Among the Tribes
Mrs. Coon had her share of unique experiences. Her hosts among the Catholic highlanders expressed their hospitality by rolling cigarettes and piling them in front of her—up to 20 at a time—expecting her to smoke them.
During a stay with the Prince of Mirdita's family, a less accessible tribe, she was treated with great reverence. All 25 family members, including servants, insisted on shaking her hand and wishing her a good night.
Accommodations varied between Catholic and Muslim communities. While Catholic families hosted them in homes, Muslim tribes provided lodging in shared guesthouses. On one occasion, Mrs. Coon awoke to the sound of a man chopping firewood near her husband’s head.
Scientific Findings and Local Cooperation
The Coons collected data on the racial characteristics of Albanians for later analysis at Harvard. Albanian gendarmes, assigned by the government, played a crucial role in facilitating their work. If Dr. Coon needed 20 men from a specific locality, the gendarmes ensured their arrival, even if it required two days of walking.
The gendarmes, selected from local populations and trained by British officers, had significantly reduced banditry in the region.
Preliminary studies from the expedition revealed intriguing correlations between hand dominance and cranial shapes among Albanians.
A Memorable Expedition
The Coons’ journey not only shed light on Albania’s cultural and physical anthropology but also highlighted the unique blend of hospitality and resilience in its highland communities. The expedition's findings contribute to a deeper understanding of human diversity, proving that even in the most remote regions, science can uncover remarkable stories.