Rhenish Mission Society on the Rai-Coast in 1887-1914
The main aim of the article is to give a brief overview of the history of the Maclay coast (contemporary name ‘Rai-coast') in 1887-1914. The paper is based on German sources from the archive of the United Evangelical Mission in Wuppertal (Archive der Vereinten Evangelischen Mission in Wuppertal), which contain the reports of the missionaries, letters to Germany, maps of stations, dictionaries of local idioms, etc. The author's opinion is opposed in a way to the data of English and Australian colonial archives which understate the importance of the German influence on the Maclay Coast. The article touches upon three main aspects. Firstly, the main historical facts related with the activities of the Rhenish Missionary Society in New Guinea, the organization of the stations and the activities of first missionaries. Secondly, the research on linguistic and geographic peculiarities of the region (the difference of linguistic studies in lexicography of Bongu and Bogatim languages is demonstrated). Thirdly, so called Siar revolt which is dated 1904 by the testimonies of oral history and Australian scientists, but 1912 in German documents. The conflicts in 1904 are not described in the reports of Rhenish missionaries. The 1912 Revolt is mentioned in connection to the ressetlement of the inhabitants of the Siar island to the coast and termination of the activity of the station. The research demonstrates how new authorities tried to adjust the history in the region. German missions kept silent about Miklukho-Maclay's presence in Astrolabe Bay. In turn, Australian colonial administration preferred to underestimate the presence of Germany and the results of its activity in the region.