IDNO

T.131989.MST

Description

On Strathern's listing: Nunga school. Day of distribution of money for land to Roklaka, Nǝlka, Kendipi, Komungaka, Wəlyi, Waklpkae (and Tipuka?) tribal groups.
This was part of central government process of compensating people for land purchased for government purposes (such as the area on which Dei Council buildings were built), handed over to representatives of local groups (‘tribes’).
Local Government Councils had been newly established, and elected Councillors took charge of the proceedings, along with other big men.
Councillor Mbang (Nǝlka) orating. Kiap [Pidgin term for officer of the Australian administration] beginning to make speech. All the groups have closed in. Tom Ellis, the DC (District Commissioner), present.

Place

Oceania Melanesia; Papua New Guinea; Western Highlands Province; Dei Council area

Cultural Affliation

Nǝlka

Named Person

Tom Ellis (District Commissioner); Nǝlka Mbang (Councillor)

Photographer

Strathern, Marilyn (later Prof., Dame)

Collector / Expedition

Date

11 February 1964

Collection Name

Strathern Collection

Source

Strathern, Marilyn (Prof., Dame)

Format

Colour Transparency

Primary Documentation

Other Information

T.131959.MST - T.131992.MST were identified by Marilyn Strathern as Set 2.

Named Person: "Tom Ellis (DC = District Commissioner) M." [Information provided by Marilyn Strathern on 'List of Personal Names', JD 10/11/2016]

Named Person: "Mbang (Councillor), Nǝlka (tribe) M." [Information provided by Marilyn Strathern on 'List of Personal Names', JD 23/11/2016]

Context: kiap = (Pidgin, from captain) = any officer of the Australian administration, eg Patrol Officer, District Commissioner. [Strathern's Glossary word document, JD 4/25/2017]

A grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation Historical Archives Program supported the documentation and preservation of the Strathern photographic collection. [JD 6/11/2017]