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Bougainville Island with approximately 300,000 inhabitants, is the largest of the Solomon Islands archipelago, and has a rich and complex history. It is part of Papua New Guinea and lies to the east of New Guinea and northwest of the Solomon Islands chain. Its history dates back much further, with evidence of human habitation stretching back at least 29,000 years. These early inhabitants were part of the Austronesian expansion, which began around 3000 BCE from Taiwan and spread across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Genetics and Phenotype
The people of Bougainville are primarily of Melanesian descent, characterized by a high degree of genetic diversity due to their long history of settlement and relative isolation. Studies have shown that the population has a significant amount of Denisovan DNA, indicating ancient interbreeding with this archaic human species. Bougainvilleans have one of the highest frequencies of a unique genetic marker, the Denisovan gene than in many other populations, highlighting their unique place in human history. This gene contributes to their distinctive physical characteristics.
One of the great puzzles of Bougainville is why its people are so distinctive in appearance from most other people in the region, particularly why they are so black. Did some Africans somehow move into this area thousands of years ago? In broader comparisons, Bougainville people are, on average, darker as a group than African–Americans. They are in fact blacker than most Africans.
Phenotypically, Bougainvilleans typically have dark skin, curly hair, and robust facial features, which are common traits among Melanesian populations. There is also significant variation within the population though and shockingly it not rare to see jet black Bougainvilleans with blonde hair. The blonde is caused by a mutation in the TYRP1 gene. This gene is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye color. This mutation is different from the one that causes blonde hair in Europeans.
Are they black?
The identity of Bougainvilleans as a “black” people is both a reflection of their Melanesian heritage and a political statement. During the Bougainville Civil War (1988-1998), the term “black” became a symbol of resistance against perceived exploitation and marginalization by the predominantly lighter-skinned Papua New Guinean government and mining companies. This period of conflict was driven by issues related to land rights, environmental degradation, and demands for greater autonomy. So I believe it is accurate to say that these people, though not African, strongly consider themselves to be black. However it’s important to note that to an ordinary Bougainvillean, tribe holds more significance than the broader racial identity.

Before we end the video, here Ten Surprising Facts about Bougainville People that you probably didn’t know.
1. In a 2019 referendum where 98% of Bougainvilleans voted for independence from Papua New Guinea, is a testament to the strong national identity and desire for self-governance among the people of Bougainville. It is planned that the island will gain full independence from Papua New Guinea in 2027.
2. The indigenous people of Bougainville Island successfully carried out the world’s first “eco-revolution” closing down one of the world’s largest mines, driving away private security and in turn the Papua New Guinea and Australian army using home-made weapons and running vehicles on coconut oil. Bougainville was home to one of the world’s largest open-pit copper mines, the Panguna Mine.
3. Bougainville receives some of the highest rainfall in the world, contributing to its lush tropical environment.
4. Traditionally, shell money, made from strings of shells, is used in important transactions, such as paying bride price, compensation, and in rituals.
5. On average Bougainville people tend to be big with broad chests due to good nutrition given the abundance of food on the island.
6. Newcomers to Bougainville are welcomed in an unusual way. With water from a bamboo cane. The feet are washed in what is known as the island baptism.
7. . The island is named after the French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who visited the island in 1768.
8. Although Bougainville Islanders are fewer than 300000, an astonishing 20 languages are spoken by its inhabitants.
9. Bougainvilleans are known for their strong sense of community and cultural pride. Traditional social structures are based on clan systems, with each clan having its own customs, land, and leadership. These clans are matrilineal, meaning that descent and inheritance are traced through the female line.

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