Human Studies Film Archives

Guide to the Michael J. Leahy films

Summary

Collection ID:
HSFA.1977.04
Creators:
Leahy, Michael J., 1901-1979
Dates:
circa 1930-1952
Languages:
No linguistic content; Not applicable
.
Physical Description:
Film reels
black-and-white color silent positive; 4600 feet
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
Footage shot in the Papua New Guinea highlands around Mt. Hagen, Goroka Valley, Kundiawa, and Wahgi Valley. Documentation includes: mining for gold using ground sluicing and sluice boxes at the Kuta site near Mt. Hagen; aerial shots over the Wahgi, Hagen, and Goroka valleys; the Leahy expedition to Wahgi Valley; construction and operation of airstrips at Mt. Hagen, Bena Bena, and Garaina; the Chimbu, Wabag, Bena Bena, Chuake, Waria, and Luluai peoples; local celebrations at Mt. Hagen including sing-sings and a "Carry'im leg" ceremony; Wabag gardens and wigmen with flowers in their wigs; Mt. Giluwe and Kainantu areas; villages of Lompri and Kompri in the Kainantu area; and a village in the Arona Valley. Footage also contains various shots of the Leahy brothers and other Australians. Depicted are Robert, Allen ; Kingsbury, ; Leahy, Dan ; Leahy, Michael ; Taylor, Jim ; Griffith, Tom ; Davey, Margaret ; Best, M. ; Best, Jeanette ; Tutley, Richard ; Fisher, Brian ; Huret, Tim ; Huret, Richard ; Huret, Peter ; Fraser, Dorthy ; Best, M. Stan ; Wickham, Christopher Burt ; Ross Father ; Troper Father.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Administration

Custodial History
Previously titled "Leahy Footage of Papua New Guinea ca. 1930-1952."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Received from Michael J. Leahy in 1977.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.
Preferred Citation
Michael J. Leahy films, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution

More Information

Local Number

Local Number
HSFA 1977.4.1

Bibliography

Bibliography
Anderson, Rob and Bob Connolly, directors.
First Contact.
Arundel Productions, 1983.


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Oceania Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Papua New Guinea Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
silent films Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Gold mines and mining Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Courtship Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Enga (Papua New Guinean people) Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Human Studies Film Archives
Museum Support Center
4210 Silver Hill Road
Suitland 20746
hsfa@si.edu