The colour of the body is a deep sooty-brown or black, sometimes approaching, but never quite equalling, the jet-black of some negro races.

It varies in tint, however, more than that of the Malay, and is sometimes a dusky-brown.

The hair is very peculiar, being harsh, dry, and frizzly, growing in little tufts or curls, which in youth are very short and compact, but afterwards grow out to a considerable length, forming the compact frizzled mop which is the Papuans' pride and glory.

The face is adorned with a beard of the same frizzly nature as the hair of the head.
The arms, legs, and breast are also more or less clothed with hair of a similar nature.
In stature the Papuan decidedly surpasses the Malay, and is perhaps equal, or even superior, to the average of Europeans.

The legs are long and thin, and the hands and feet larger than in the Malays.