Gordon D. Gibson (1915-2007) was trained at the University of Chicago (Ph.D., 1952) and joined the staff of the Smithsonian's Department of Anthropology in 1958 as its curator of African ethnology. He served in that capacity until 1983. During the 1960s, he undertook a major renovation of the National Museum of Natural History's African exhibits, which had been on display since the 1920s. He developed the Hall of African Cultures, which opened in 1969 and remained on view until 1992. He was also instrumental in establishing the National Anthropological Film Center, now the Human Studies Film Archives. During his tenure, he also served as the first chairman of the Senate of Scientists of the National Museum of Natural History (1963-1964), chairman of the museum's photographic facilities committee (1968), member of the Center for the Study of Man, and member and chairman of the Department of Anthropology collections committee and its photographs records committee (1970s-1980s). He also had special interests in the department's library and processing lab. In 1980, he was chairman of a committee which studied the feasibility of establishing a Smithsonian Institution Museum of Man. Gibson held several offices and committee memberships with the Anthropological Society of Washington during the during the 1960s and 1970s and served as film review editor of the American Anthropologist. Gibson conducted fieldwork among the Herero and Himba in Botswana (1953, 1960-61), Namibia (1960-61, 1971-73), and Angola (1971-73). Articles produced from his field research include "Bridewealth and Other Forms of Exchange Among the Herero," "Double Descent and Its Correlates among the Herero of Ngamiland," "Herero Marriage," and "Himba Epochs." While in the field, he also filmed footage of the Herero, Himba, Zimba, and Kuvale. His edited films include
Arranged into 19 series: (1) Correspondence, 1938-1998; (2) Southwestern Africa Research, 1951-2004; (3) Caps Research; (4) Nineteenth Century Collectors; (5) General Research Files; (6) Exhibits, 1959-2007; (7) Curatorial Files, 1936-1984; (8) National Anthropological Film Center, 1965-1983; (9) Museum of Man, 1952-1981 [bulk 1968-1981]; (10) Center for the Study of Man (1967-1979); (11) Writings, 1947-1981; (12) Organizations; (13) Daily Log, 1958-1983; (14) Personal Files ; (15) Card Files; (16) Photographs, circa 1904-1983 [bulk 1953-1983]; (17) Microfilm; (18) Maps; (19) Sound Recordings
The Gordon Davis Gibson papers are open for research. Access to the computer disks in the collection are restricted due to preservation concerns. The personnel files of Smithsonian staff have also been restricted.
Access to the Gordon Davis Gibson papers requires an appointment.
Gordon Davis Gibson papers, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
The papers of Gordon D. Gibson were received in three separate accessions. The first accession (comprised of correspondence; committee files; and materials relating to the Herbert Ward collection, the National Anthropological Film Center, the Center for the Study of Man, and the Museum of Man) was transferred to the National Anthropological Archives by Gibson after his retirement. A guide to this accession was created in 2001. An accretion (consisting of correspondence, fieldwork and research files, curatorial files, writings, photographs, sound recordings, and maps) was transferred to the archives by Gibson's family in 2007. His exhibition and museum specimen files were transferred to the archives in 2008 by the Department of Anthropology.
Other materials relating to Gordon Gibson at the National Anthropological Archives can be found in the Records of the Department of Anthropology, Records of the Bureau of American Ethnology, and the Records of the American Anthropological Association.
The Human Studies Film Archives holds his films on the Herero, Himba, Kuvale, and Zimba.
The Smithsonian Institution Archives has materials relating to Gibson's work as the first chairman of the Senate of Scientists.
This series contains Gibson's professional correspondence. The first box contains carbons of Gibson's outgoing correspondence. One folder contains a set of 1966 letters while the rest are organized alphabetically by correspondent's last name. The rest of the series is a mix of incoming and outgoing correspondence, which, with the exception of folders of correspondence that Gibson has separated out or had not yet file, are also arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Correspondents include Robert McC. Adams, J. Paul Bohannan, Marian W. Cavendish, Charles Dibble, David W. Doyle, J.J. Fenykovi, Lunda Hoyle Gill, G.W. Hartley, Alan Lomax, Margaret Mead, Deric O'Bryan, Warren M. Robbins, Sarah Brett-Smith, Jo Ann T. Stanley, Janet Stone, Roger Summers, Sol Tax, Darius and Mimi Thieme, William Trousdale, Colin Turnbull, Charles Wagley, and Volkmar Wentzel.
Although much of Gibson's correspondence can be found in this series, a great deal of correspondence can also be found throughout the collection, filed by subject.
This series contains materials relating to Gibson's research on the ethnic groups in the southwestern region of Africa, particularly the Herero and the Himba. This includes materials relating to his fieldwork, research notes, writings, maps, and source materials. His work as a doctoral student at the University of Chicago is also in the series, including drafts of his dissertation. (A complete copy of his dissertation, "The Social Organization of the Southwestern Bantu," is in Series 11. Writings.)
Gibson conducted fieldwork among the Herero and Himba in Botswana (1953, 1960-61), Namibia (1960-61), and Angola (1971-73). His field notebooks are present along with typed versions of his notes, formatted and classified according to the Outline of World Cultures, developed by HRAF (Human Relations Area Files). The typed notes were made in preparation of creating his own set of HRAF cards, which can be found in Series 15. Card Files. (Although there is correspondence indicating that he did send in some of his cards to HRAF, his files are not currently in their database.) Film scripts and other materials relating to his films on the Himba, Herero, Zimba, and Kuvale are also in this series. Among the topics represented in this series are demography and fertility, kinship systems, and the calendar system. Some of his writings based on his research are in the series including drafts of articles and papers he presented at conferences.
While most of the series deals with his research on the Herero and Himba, there is also a great deal of his research on the Ovambo and Okavango ethnic groups. Among his 1953 field notes are his notes from his work among the Gciriku, Bayei, and Makqereku. His field notes on the Gciriku served as a major source for his chapter on this ethnic group in The Kavango Peoples. Drafts and other materials relating to The Kavango Peoples are in this series.
In addition to Gibson's research notes and writings, the series contains a significant amount of photocopies of early ethnographic literature on the Herero and Himba and other southwestern African ethnic groups. (Microfilm reels of sources can be found in Series 17. Microfilm.) Many of these sources are in German or Portuguese, which he had translated and portions classified according to the HRAF system. (The card files are in Series 15. Card Files.) The series also contains copies of Alfred Martin Duggan Cronin's photographs.
The series is organized with the Herero and Himba files at the beginning and the Ovambo and Okavango files in the latter part of the series. The Herero and Himba files are loosely organized in chronological order. The rest of the series is organized by subject or ethnic group.
Other series containing materials relating to his research on ethnic groups from southwestern Africa are Series 1. Correspondence; Series 5. General Subject Files; Series 11. Writings; Series 15. Card Files; Series 16. Photographs; Series 17. Microfilm; Series 18. Maps; and Series 19. Sound Recordings.
Small hardcover notebook containing notes on expenses, supplies, contacts, appointments, photos, and museum specimens
Small hardcover notebook containing notes on expenses, supplies, contacts, appointments, photos, and museum specimens
Includes photos.
Notes from field journals typed
Typed field notes with HRAF coding
Notes from field journals typed with HRAF coding
Field journal
Field journal
Field journal
Field journal; also includes notes from London, Belgian Cono, Nairobi, and Kenya
Also contains notes on film and sound recordings
Concubines and polygyny
Hand-drawn maps
Includes photos
Contain only one entry
Contains only one entry.
Reference to casette 72K21
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Transcript and translation of song on reel #6 (sound recording #24) from 1960.
Transcript and translation of aong on reel #6 (sound recording #24) from 1960.
Transcript and translation of song on reel #15 (sound recording #33) from 1961.
Alternate version of transcript of Cakoya's cattle praise song in "Omitandu by Cakoya (#1) Ovinyange, Kaokoveld" on reel #6 (sound recording #24) from 1960.
Transcript and translation of song on reel 72-R-4 (sound recording #48).
See also map section in Angola file
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folder 1 of 2
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Himba demography, supernatural, rituals, and wedding rites. Folder includes print-out of document on Mbanderu conservatism from one of the disks.
Access to computer disks is restricted.
Includes talk given on Herero and Himba classification
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See oversize box
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See Overview Box
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See oversize box
Gibson studied Central African cap collections at various museums in the United States and Europe. This series contains his research notes, writings, source materials, and photographs of African caps. Also in the series are textile samples of loop and knot work used in traditional cap-making.
For more materials relating to African caps, please see Series 5. General Research Files and Series 11. Writings. Additional photos of African caps can be found in Series 16. Photographs.
Papers on California Archaeology: 47-49; Issued April 1, 1957
This series contains Gibson's research on 19th century collectors of the African collections at the Smithsonian. Among the collectors he researched are Herbert Ward, Samuel P. Verner, Richard Dorsey Mohun, Willard P. Tisdel, Emory Taunt, and Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry. Materials in the series include accession notes, bibliographic sources, copies of archival materials at the National Anthropological Archives and other archives, drafts of his paper on Verner, and a copy of Herbert Ward's book Five Years with the Congo Cannibals.
See Series 17. Microfilm for more source materials on the 19th century collectors.
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Tisdel-Taunt-Mohum - Maps
References to American Early Involvement in the Congo
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This series is composed of a wide variety of materials. The series contains in respective order sources and notes on Africa; lecture materials for courses he taught; his course readings and notes as an undergraduate student at University of Chicago; notes and sources on the use of mathematics and computers in anthropology; sources on ethnographic films, filmmaking, and indexing; notes and partial drafts for projects that he had in progress; and materials from his Portuguese and German language lessons.
Although there are a few documents relating to the ethnic groups of southwestern Africa, the materials on Africa in this series focus on Africa in general or on other regions. The subjects include African organizations and programs, African weapons, African politics, maps of Africa, and miscellaneous African subjects. Some of the materials appear to be research for the Hall of African Cultures.
See Rolled maps 3
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Tawana
"Social Organization of the Thonga" by Gibson; Reading notes on Jundo's "life of a South African Tribe"; translation of conclusions of Junod's "Les Conceptions Physiologiques des Bantou Sud-Africans et Leurs Tabous"
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[2 folders]
Current Anthropology
Includes some Herero? language notes and list of purchases in the field
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Includes some Herero? language notes and list of purchases in the field
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This series contains notes, exhibit scripts, photographs, exhibit plans, exhibit pamphlets, correspondence and other materials relating to the preparations and maintenance of the Hall of African Cultures at the National Museum of Natural History. Gibson oversaw the installation of the Hall of African Cultures, which opened in 1969 and remained on view until 1992. Materials relating to other African-related exhibits at the Smithsonian can also be found in this series.
The first part of the series is organized numerically by exhibit case number.
More exhibit related materials can be found in Series 5. General Research Files and Series 16. Photographs.
Audio reels moved to Series 19. Sound Recordings
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See Map Folder 3
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based on NH exhibits
This series documents the activities of Gibson as curator of African ethnology in the Smithsonian's Department of Anthropology. The series contains his files on the museum's African ethnographic collections; his files as acting chairman of the department and head of the Old World Division; his work on several committees, including the Senate of Scientists, for which he served as first chairman; and materials relating to his associated activities as curator, such as talks that he gave. The series also contains his plans of operations; annual reports; documentation that he kept for his performance evaluations; his curriculum vitae; and his employment files. There are also some materials relating to the use of his films and photographs.
Also in the series are departmental staff photos; materials relating to the restructuring of the department; department, museum, and institution memos and meeting minutes; and materials relating to the creation of the Museum of African Art and the department's relationship with the museum.
Please see Series 13. Daily Log for his records of his daily appointments and activities as curator at the Smithsonian. His files on Smithsonian exhibits and specimens can be found in Series 5. General Research Files, Series 6. Exhibits, and Series 16. Photographs. His files on collectors of the Smithsonian's African collections are in Series 4. Nineteeth Century Collectors. Other series relating to the Smithsonian are Series 8. National Anthropological Film Center, Series 9. Museum of Man, and Series 10. Center for the Study of Man.
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Sebah, Marzuq
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Sawknah, Marzuq
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Hun, Samnu, Dlem
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Bibliographic references to check out
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Includes photo of Gibson
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Includes photo of Gibson
Applicant for fellowship
Draft of Crocker's paper "Canela Age and Generation Hierarchies, including 'Parellel Transmission:' An Analysis of Changing Authority Structures" with request for comments
Intro to films and agreement to deposit his materials
Grant recommendation
Grant recommendation
Fellow
Includes resumes of Alexander Spoehr and Robert McCormick Adams
Department audit
Research projects of curators
Funds spent
Regarding move off-site
Gibson serving as acting chairman while Saul Riesenberg was is in the field; letters from Riesenberg from Truk
RESTRICTED UNTIL 2021
RESTRICTED UNTIL 2028
RESTRICTED UNTIL 2032
RESTRICTED UNTIL 2034
RESTRICTED UNTIL 2036
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Contains photos of Gibson
The National Anthropological Film Center was established at the Smithsonian under the Center for the Study of Man in 1975. Gibson was instrumental in the development of the center, now known as the Human Studies Film Archives. This series documents the efforts to create the center as well as the early functionings and administrative problems of the center after its establishment
Includes correspondence with Margaret Mead
Some film review letters
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Gibson chaired a committee studying the feasibility of establishing a Museum of Man at the Smithsonian. This series contains the committee's report, as well as correspondence, meeting summaries, and surveys.
See Series 19. Sound Recordings for recordings of committee meetings.
Notes, memos, meeting notes, summaries, and minutes
History of museum of man and report on the present and future needs of the museum
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See Series 19. Sound Recordings
Gibson was a member of the Center for the Study of Man, a bureau of the Smithsonian Insitution. This series contains meeting minutes, memos, and materials relating to the programs of the center.
Some of the center's programs were eventually transferred to the Department of Anthropology when the center was dissolved. Thus, related materials may be found in Series 7. Curatorial Files. Materials relating to the National Anthropological Film Center, which was originally part of the Center for the Study of Man, are under Series 8. National Anthropological Film Center.
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This series contains Gibson's published articles, reviews, and monographs as well as two papers he presented. This series also contains correspondence and other records relating to Gibson's translation and editing of Carlos Estermann's Ethnography of Southwestern Angola. Copies of Volumes 1 and 2 are in the series as well as a draft of volume 3.
Other drafts of articles and books, papers he presented at conferences, and unpublished writings can be found in Series 2. Southwestern Africa Research, Series 5. General Research Files, and Series 7. Curatorial Files.
See Oversize Box
Reviews of Rituals of Rebellion in South-East Africa by Max Gluckman; Mathematical Biology of Social Behavior by Nicolas Rashevsky; and The Developmental Cycle in Domestic Groups edited by Jack Goody
See Oversize Box
See Oversize Box
See Oversize Box
See Oversize Box
See Oversize Box
See Oversize Box
See Oversize Box
See Oversize Box
This series contains correspondence, newsletters, meeting minutes, conference programs, and other materials relating to different organizations, including the American Anthropological Association. Gibson's correspondence as the film reviews editor for American Anthropologist can also be found in this series. Also in this series are materials relating to HRAF and foundations that provide research grant support.
Please see Series 1. Correspondence for Gibson's involvement in the Oboade Institute of African Cultures, for which he served as president.
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"On the Anthropological Aspects of Education at Verde Valley School" by Zdenek Salzmann
Review of proposal; proposal not in folder
As a curator at the Smithsonian, Gibson kept track of his daily activities. He kept a daily log of people he met with professionally and noted in his desk calendars his appointments and tasks.
This is a small series that contains materials that are not related to his professional activities. "Task Priority List" may be of interest as it provides insight into some of the unfinished papers he was working on during his retirement.
Gibson's notes and analysis of different literature. Includes his ethnographic analysis of Genesis.
This series contains Gibson's notes on the ethnic groups of Southwestern Africa, formatted and classified according to HRAF's card file system; notes and punchcards on Himba demography; bibliographic card files; reading notes; and exam questions for a course he taught in 1957.
Census cards of individuals from Ngamiland "indexed thru p. 133"
Notes for PhD; also notes on African racial types and old world archaeology
This series contains a great deal of field photographs that Gibson took of the Herero, Himba, and Gciriku. Many are duplicates printed in various sizes or were printing trials. In addition to Gibson's field photos, the collection also contains photos taken in Africa by others. Among these are Herbert Friedmann's photos of Kenya; photos by Ralph Kepler Lewis during the Morden Africa Expedition in Kenya; and photos by Lawrence Marshall, Volkmar Wentzel, and Carlos Estermann. There are also photos of the exhibit cases from the Hall of African Cultures; photographs of African caps, weapons and other Smithsonian and non-Smithsonian African artifacts; and copies of photographs he obtained from different archives, including the National Anthropological Archives. A box of unprocessed negatives can found at the end of the series.
More photographs can be found throughout the collection. See Series 2. Southwestern Africa Research for notes on his photos.
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See Map Folder 3
See Map Folder 3
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See Oversize Box
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Nitrate negatives separated
Slides by Volkmar Wentzel, L. K. Marshall
Photos by members of USNM expedition (chiefly mammalogy)
photos
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Also contains slides of Bushmen in Angola by Fenykovi; Congo, Doyle Collection at Princeton; beads from Nigeria not in S.I. collection; King of Katanga (Luba from Le Katanga by Sauvy; drum performance in Rwanda copied from Congo by Huet; Teda caravan (Libya) in Rebiana by James R. Jones; Lega carving belonging to Anne Wood; Haya drum belonging to Priscella Reining
Also prints of 1973 fieldwork, battle axe in S.I. collection, and vessels
See Map Folder 3
Photo of artifacts
Slides of Bechuanaland vine, Field Museum exhibit, and artifacts
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Illustrations by Georges Marcais in "Le Costume Musulman d'Alger" and Gabriel-Rousseau in "Le Costume au Maroc"
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This series contains microfilm reels of bibliographic and archival sources, mostly relating to Gibson's research on Africa.
Sources on Herero and Ngamiland 1. Ashton: Political Org. of th Tawana; Nettleton: Hist. of Ngamiland Tribe; Passarge: Okawangosumpfland und; Vedder: Maharero und seiner Zeit; C.H.L. Hahn "The Ovambo" Nat. Tr. S.W. Afr., Vedder "The Herero" same book; I. Schapera Notes on Some Herero Genealogie; von Warmelo Notes on the Kaokoveld and its People; H. Hahn Worterbuch der Herero; C. Meinhof Grundriss einer Lauthlehre Chap. VI "Herero"; Lugard "The Flora of Ngamiland" Kew Bulletin No. 3, 1909. p. 81-146
"print made and on file in S.I. Library"
2 map folders & 3 sets of rolled maps
This series contains oversize maps of Africa. Some of the maps are hand-drawn and appear to be for Gibson's publications.
For more maps, please see Series 2. Southwestern Africa Research and Series 5. General Research Files.
Probably for publication
Line drawing and sketch
Copy
Revised by the Trigonometrical Survey Office. Cadastral and Topographical information supplied by the Surveyor General's Office, Windhoek
Minsteria das Colonias junta das Missoes Geographicas e de investigacoes coloniais
Roçadas: Operações no Sul de Angola, pl II
Roçadas: Operaçŏes no sul de Angola, 1914
original and photocopy
2 copies
Prepared by Stanley King and Patricia L. Theimer for the Food Research Institute of Stanfod University
Prepared by Stanley King and Patricia L. Theimer for the Food Research Institute of Stanfod University; see oversized box for list of administrativion divisions
2 copies
with note on inaccuracies of map; map prepared by Central Intelligence Agency
drawn and printed by 157 (E.A. & S.R.) Base Svy. Coy, E.A.E., for G.S.I. East Africa
drawn and printed by 157 (E.A. & S.R.) Base Svy. Coy, E.A.E., for G.S.I. East Africa
from "Staple Subsistence Crops of Africa" by George Murdock in Geographical Review
compiled and drawn in 1928 by the Surveyor Generals Office Windhoek S.W. Africa and printed by the Ordinance Survey of Great Britain in 1929; 2 copies
drawn and printed by 157 (E.A. & S.R.) Base Svy. Coy, E.A.E., for G.S.I. East Africa
Carl Flemings Generalkarten, No. 38
prepared by C. Bruce Hunter for Man and Nature Publications
brittle condition
Drawn in Trigonometrical Survey Office, Pretoria
Drawn in Trigonometrical Survey Office, Pretoria
includes maps for his publications and a map for Hall 7
This series contains numerous sound recordings of Himba and Herero and related dialects including Mbanderu (Mbandieru), Gcirika, Kuvale, Dimba, Tchavikwa, Hakawona, Ndongona, Kwepe, Ngambwe, Nkumbi (Nyaneka), and Zimba (Zemba). There are several other languages and dialects represented including Leya, Olutwa, Oluzimba, and Portuguese.
Also in the series are interviews with Father Carlos Estermann, Josef Fenykovi, and African and Portuguese natives. In addition, the series contains recordings of working group meetings from the Museum of Man Planning Committee in 1980, a press conference on Namibia, sounds of nature in Africa, and recordings for an exhibit case in the Hall of African Cultures. Three of the recordings in this series are unidentified.
The recordings are arranged by year with the recordings of the Museum of Man Planning Committee and exhibit case recordings at the end of the series.
Item numbers were assigned by an archivist. Sound recording 50 "Herero movie soundtrack" was transferred to the Human Studies Film Archives. Sound recording 74 is missing.
Please see Series 2. Southwestern Africa Research for Gibson's notes and translations of some of his field recordings.
The series contains numerous recordings and some copies in Himba and Herero and related dialects from other Bantu-speaking tribes in Namibia, Angola, and Southwest Africa which include: Mbanderu (Mbandieru), Gcirika, Kuvale, Dimba, Tchavikwa, Hakawona, Ndongona, Kwepe, Ngambwe, Nkumbi (Nyaneka), and Zimba (Zemba). There are several other languages and dialects represented including: Leya, Olutwa, Oluzimba, and Portuguese. Non-endangered language recordings include working group meetings from the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Man Planning Committee in 1980, a press conference on Namibia, sounds of nature in Africa, and others. There are interviews with Carlos Estermann, Josef Fenykovi and African and Portuguese natives. There are three unidentified recordings. Copies of recordings in the series are also contained here.
Gciriku (Ziriku) Songs and Stories, [sound recording]
A. Conversation (3 3/4 ips) B. and C. Song and clapping (3 3/4 ips) D. Conversation, man and two women (3 3/4 ips) E. Some conversation then song, chorus, and clapping (3 3/4 ips) F. "Hippo Song" (7 1/2 ips) G. Song and drum (3 3/4 ips) H. Some conversation then song, chorus, and drum (3 3/4 ips) I. Story and translation, The Lion and the Vulture (3 3/4 ips) J. Story "Seed" and translation (Anselm) (3 3/4 ips) K. Anslem's life story (Ziriku only) (3 3/4 ips)
Leya Vocabulary (Northern Rhodesia) [sound recording]
cultural group Leya
Herero Ombimbi and Cattle Songs, [sound recording]
He-1
1a. Yokumoru, Yomiranda, Humana, Wacunda: Obimbi for lion hunt at Makakun 1b. (75) Waverers [?] songs about cattle at Makakun 1c. (205) Ombimbi for war party - Men bark , women ululate - Caneka at Makakun 1d. (350) Church music (3 women, 1 man), Tsau 1e. (470) Cattle Songs - Tsau
History of the Herero - Kapapu, [sound recording]
He-2
Herero Reading and Linguistics, [sound recording]
He-3
A. Kambara's History of Herero (0-20) Stories told at Makakun at Kapapu's (20-38) B. Story by Tiki at Makakun C. Story - The Wolf and the Jackel Linguistics: basic vocabulary and contrasts (38-60) D. Basic vocabluary and contrasts, Tarakaya
Herero Songs, [sound recording]
He-4
Ouchina and Ombimbi at Makakun, August 25, no cinema Lutheran Hymns at Tsau, August 26 Ombimbi at Makakun, August 25 Ombimbi at Tsau, August 26
Herero Ombimbi, Games at Makakun, [sound recording]
Herero Ombimbi, Games at Makakun, [sound recording]
He-4
Ouchina and Ombimbi at Makakun, August 25, no cinema Lutheran Hymns at Tsau, August 26 Ombimbi at Makakun, August 25 Ombimbi at Tsau, August 26
History of the Mbanderu at Schitwa, January, 1953 [sound recording]
Mb-1
Erastus, 12 min. Munyukku, 2 min. Kioni, 6 min. Nehemiah, 2 min. Isak, 6 min. Kioni Hiarakutwa Stephanus, 10 min. Joas, 2 min. Kororo, 8 min. Charley, 2 min
Mbanderu Musical Bow, Hymns, Dances, Conversation, [sound recording]
Mb 3 (3 3/4 ips) Musical bow (Kavaropa), 2 min. 45 sec. Mb 10 (3 3/4 ips) Lutheran hymns at Sehitwa (Kezemwini) 4 min. Mb 4 (7 1/2 ips) Dancing songs at Tololamoro, 3 men, 8 min. 45 sec. (069-241) Mb 9 (7 1/2 ips) Conversation among seamstresses at Sehitwa; Man's dance (Muhiva)
Mbanderu Wailing at Funeral; at Okuruo (cleansing rites), [sound recording]
Summary Description Mb-5 (7 1/2 ips) Wailing on day of Erastus' burial (little hum) A. Village sounds outside mourning hut; some wailing B. Women and children talking and bird songs with wailing in the background C. Hysterical shrieking of women D. Individual moaning in hut; group waiting. Low noise level (2 min. 45 sec.)
Mb-7 (3 3/4 ips) Katuwi (Mbanderu clan priest) calling to ancestors and performing purification rites on return to Ruhwa from journey A. Call - "ayeh, ocipai" B. Men talking C. Call - "Maca, opungu cauca..."
Mb-11 (7 1/2 ips) Wailing on last day of mourning for Erastus
Mbanderu Stories, Songs (dances of Ruhwa), Proverbs, [sound recording]
Mb-6 Story told by Kakwirimba, translated by Tarakaya Mb-8 A. Songs at Ruhwa B. Story by Kakwiririmba C. Proverbs by Watwara
Herero Linguistics, [sound recording]
Phrases in English translated into Herero (Ernst Westphal puts the English.) A Herero woman reads. Herero conversation (G.D. Gibson) Phonetic contrasts
Tones of Herero by Kerina, [sound recording]
Musical group of Portuguese soldiers in Angola, recorded at Chitado, Cunene Province.
Herero eanda praises (songs), [sound recording]
Recorded in native location, Okahandja, South West Africa
Himba Songs and Chants at Karikwa village and at Ohopoho, Kaokeveld, [sound recording]
Hi-1#2 1. Himba women: song sung while grinding mealies (maize) 12-160 2. Himba conversations (poor) 167-265 3. Himba men and women singins onjogo 270-390 4. Himba man (Kandjuwo) chant 390-568 5. Himba dance songs, onjongo - women 570-658
Himba Songs at Karikwa village, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Hi-2
1. Ombimbi (victory song) sung by men at Mbaricaove's place, Karikwa 2. Okwiimba (cattle praise song) poor recoding - winds sounds
Himba Music and Songs at Karikwa, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Himba Music and Songs at Karikwa, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Himba Songs at Oringange, Kaokoveld
Himba Songs at Oringange, Kaokoveld
Hi-2a #4
1. Musical bow played by Ngusuru 13-107 2. Three Himba girls sing 'endongo song about the long-legger [hornbill?] bird [probably the stork Anastomus amelligerus] 120-248 3. Cattle praise songs (mixed chorus) 250-390 4. and 5. Ox Praise chants, sung by Kaziamberwa 450 - end
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reels, 72-R-1 (Sound Recording 45) and 72-R-3 (Sound Recording 46), and on sound cassettes, 72-K-17 (Sound Recording 72) and 72-K-18 (Sound Recording 73)]
Himba Songs and Music at Oringange, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Himba Songs and Music at Oringange, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Hi-3 #5
Side 1 1. Onjongo song 'omwace w'onganga' The Witch Doctor's Child. 30-190 2. Okdwiimba (cattle prasie song) sung by Wacose 198-240 3. Onjongo songs 260-397 4. Ombimbi 400-465 5. Onjongo
Side 2 1. Onjongo erose (trumpet) (This trumpet is B flat according to Darias Threme fundamentaly) 2. Okwiimba (cattle praise) 145-230 3. Onjongo 240-845
Himba Music and Songs at Karikwa, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Himba Songs at Oringange, Kaokoveld
Himba Songs at Oringange, Kaokoveld
Himba Songs at Oringange, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Hi-4 #6
Imba (cattle praise songs) by Cakoya 4-500; 4-23 This one transcribed and translated; includes story told by Cakoya 340-362 Imba with onjembo erose (trumpet) sung and played by Ciute.(Trumpet is D flat above middle C according to Darias Threme.)
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 72-R-2 and on sound cassette 72-K-18.]
Himba Singing and Trumpet, [sound recording]
Hi-5 #7 Ciute singing imba (cattle praise songs) and playing onjembo erose - orinyange
Coloured (Griquas) mine workers singing (while dancing), [sound recording]
#8 Simultaneous recording with cinema reels 9 and 10 at Ovitoto Reserve, South West Africa.
Herero of Botswana, Herero and Mbanderu Cattle Praises, [sound recording]
Summary Description
#9 1. Karunga Cikuariouye at Makunda 2. Piet Kahiciua at Makunda 3. A woman at Tololomoro, Ngamiland 4. Kwiiri, an old Herero man, at Tololomoro, Ngamiland
Herero (Mbanderu) Songs at Tololomora, [sound recording]
#10 Songs sung by Andreas Kwiiri and others
Herero and Kuvale Songs at Oakongo, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
#11 1. Herero ombimbi songs 2. Herero omahiva songs 3. Kuvale songs
Kuvale Songs at Oakongo, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
#12 Kuvale men and and women (from Angola) singing about cattle, accompanied by tapping sticks.
Himba Chants at Ovinyange, [sound recording]
Himba Chants at Ovinyange, [sound recording]
Himba Music and Songs at Karikwa, Kaokoveld, [sound recording]
Himba Songs at Oringange, Kaokoveld
Himba Songs at Oringange, Kaokoveld
Summary Description
#13 Cakoya 10-309 Kanĵuo 315-580 Cakoya 580-735
[Also available as copies on 5" sound tape reels, 72-R-2 and 72-R-3 (SR 46 and 47) and on sound cassette 72-K-18 (SR 73).]
Himba conversation and ombimbi at a wedding, [sound recording]
Hi-6 #14 Wedding sounds to accompany moving picture Conversations, large groups 0-170 Screaming as ox is chased and caught , with some acting (movie) 170-270 Scrambled bits 279-200 Ombimbi and ululation; baby cries and women's conversation 300-565
Himba Omiţandu by Tweučiwa Ruhovu, [sound recording]
#15
Omiţandu (translation prepared) Another Omiţandu by another person Short eandu praise songs by Tweučiwa
Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 72-R-1 (Sound Recording 45), and another on sound cassette, 72-K-17 (Sound Recording 72).
Pe. [?] Carlos Estermann biography information interview with Gordon D. Gibson, [sound recording]
Pe. [?] Carlos Estermann biography information interview with Gordon D. Gibson, [sound recording]
Pe. [?] Carlos Estermann biography information interview with Gordon D. Gibson, [sound recording]
Pe. [?] Carlos Estermann biography information interview with Gordon D. Gibson, [sound recording]
71-K-8 and 71-K-9
Dimba Vocabulary, [sound recording]
Basic vocabulary and greetings in Dimba language. (71-R--1) Summary Description [Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-17, Sound Recording 44)]
Himba Cattle Praise songs, at Hangumbi in Chitado region, [sound recording]
71-R-3 Set 1 at Hambungi Set 2 at Hambungi Set 3 at Oncocua Set 4, Lullaby at Oncocua
[Also available as copy on 5"sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-17). Additional copy on sound cassette (60 min.) 72-K-15]
Himba Music and Songs, [sound recording]
71-R-8, recorded at Vepwaya's near Oncocua 1. Himba music - One young mother, Kauiambwa (Omukacipengo), and a young girl, Makambaipa, sing a lullaby to the baby of one. The song is called onjongo. 2. Song by Kavara with accompaniment on ocihunda, a 5-stringed and 5-bowed harp at Vepweya's onganda. (Song and instrument said to be non-Himba; song may be Kuvale or Hakawona in origin; Himba men were unable to interpret it. 3. Another song by Kavara
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-18). Additional copy on sound cassette (60 min.) 72-K-15]
Himba in Chitado area, [sound recording]
Himba in Chitado area, [sound recording]
71-K-1 Side A, June 15, 1971 Explanations of choringo oruzo [?] and of cattle songs, Kalwiezu 71-K-1 Side B, July 5, 1971 1. Ocihumba and songs by Kavara, "epunda" songs for cattle in the bush 2. Himba marriage customs
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-13, Sound Recording 43)]
Zemba Conversations
Zemba Conversations
71-K-2 Side A Zimba conversation at Damba &1-K-2 Side B Conversations - Oluzimba and Ocirumbu
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-13, Sound Recording 43)]
Gibson Sound Recording 92 (cassette)
Gibson Sound Recording 43 (reel)
71-K-2 Side A
Zimba conversation at Damba
&1-K-2 Side B
Conversations - Oluzimba and Ocirumbu
Also available as copy on 5 inch sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-13)
Himba Songs and Vocabulary, [sound recording]
Himba Songs and Vocabulary, [sound recording]
Oluzimba Vocabulary and Himba Greetings, [sound recording]
Oluzimba Vocabulary and Himba Greetings, [sound recording]
71-K-6 Side A Oluzimba basic vocabulary, Nicolau at Oncocua, 3-7-71 71-K-6 Side B Himba greetings at Oncocua, 5-7-71 (6 min. only)
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-13, Sound Recording 43)]
Himba Histories and Songs, [sound recording]
Himba Histories and Songs, [sound recording]
71-K-7 Side A Short Himba histories at Oncocua 71-K-7 Side B 1. Hakawona woman playing musical bow, 'elumba' 2. Notes of harp 3. Himba conversation
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-14, Sound Recording 125)]
Kuvale Sound Effects for Cinema, [sound recording]
71-R-10 Women at work grinding grain to accompany movie (not simultaneous); Kuvale songs, Mesquito and two women.
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-18, Sound Recording 128)]
Kuvale Sound Effects for Cinema, [sound recording]
71-R-11 Sounds at a Kuvale obambo (during milking and eating, but not simultaneous with film made same morning.) At Nongwa's obambo at Kotyindele near Mbambi. Last half has some synthetis conversation led by the siyaio, Mesquito
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-18, Sound Recording 128)]
Kuvale basic vocabulary at Mbambi, [sound recording]
Kuvale basic vocabulary at Mbambi, [sound recording]
71-K-11 Kuvale vocabulary parts 1 and 2 [recorded] at Mbambi, southwest Angola
[Also available as copy on 5 inch sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-14, Sound Recording 125)]
Kuvale onganda and basic vocabulary, [sound recording]
Kuvale onganda and basic vocabulary, [sound recording]
Kuvale basic vocabulary at Mbambi, [sound recording]
Kuvale basic vocabulary at Mbambi, [sound recording]
71-K-13 Kuvale vocabulary parts 4 and 5
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-15, Sound Recording 126)]
Kuvale basic vocabulary at Mbambi, [sound recording]
71-K-14 Kuvale vocabulary part 6
Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-16, Sound Recording 127)
Kuvale conversations and kin terms, [sound recording]
Kuvale conversations and kin terms, [sound recording]
71-K-15 Side A
Conversation at a Kuvale ohambo[cattle camp], (12 1/2 min)
71-K-15 Side B
Kuvale kin terms, woman informant (poor- machine at a distance)
Herero Vakwambundu basic vocabulary at Ngwaia, [sound recording]
Herero Vakwambundu basic vocabulary at Ngwaia, [sound recording]
Herero Vakwambundu basic vocabulary at Ngwaia, [sound recording]
Herero Vakwambundu basic vocabulary at Ngwaia, [sound recording]
Herero Vakwambundu basic vocabulary at Ngwaia, [sound recording]
Herero Vakwambundu basic vocabulary at Ngwaia, [sound recording]
72-K-9 Ngwaia, reel 1A and 1B, informant: Catarina 72-K-10 Ngwaia, reel 2A and 2B, informant: Catarina 72-K-11 Ngwaia, reel 3A and 3B, informant: Catarina
Children reading at Munhino near St. du Bandiera, Angola, [sound recording]
71-K-10
Bird sounds and church bells in Munhino, [sound recording]
Bird sounds and church bells in Munhino, [sound recording]
71-K-16
Os Camoflagistas, Combo, [sound recording]
Musical group of Portuguese soldiers in Angola, recorded at Chitado, Cunene Province.
Himba Songs and Rituals at Muholo, [sound recording]
72-R-4
Kaitaura sings and talks at night: Singing 120-, 138-150, 162-223, 239-305 Laughs 150-162 Talks 223-229
[Also available as copy on sound cassette (60 min.) 72-K-16 (Sound Recording 71)]
Himba Songs and Rituals at Muholo, [sound recording]
72-R-5 Uriauri and musical bow
Himba Songs and Rituals at Muholo, [sound recording]
72-R-7
Rundongo - stick music and songs Onjongo and ocipita Ombimbi or omuhero
[Also available as copy on sound cassette (60 min.) 72-K-16 (Sound Recording 71)]
Himba Cattle Praise Songs at Iona, [sound recording]
72-R-8 Omiţandu wozongombe by Hiurwa
[Also available as copy on sound cassette (60 min.) 72-K-14 (Sound Recording 69)]
Himba Cattle Praise Songs at Iona, [sound recording]
Himba Cattle Praise Songs at Iona, [sound recording]
Himba Cattle Praise Songs at Iona, [sound recording]
72-R-9 through 72-R-11 Omiţandu wozongombe by Činyočaumwe at Iona, Parts 1, 2, and 3
[Also available as copy on sound cassette (60 min.) 72-K-14 (Sound Recording 69)]
Interviews with Uriari and Sylvester, [sound recording]
Interviews with Uriari and Sylvester, [sound recording]
Interviews with Uriari and Sylvester, [sound recording]
Interviews with Uriari and Sylvester, [sound recording]
72-K-3 Tape of first session with Uriari and Sylvester, September 13, 1972 72-K-4 Reactions of Uriari upon viewing "Himba Wedding" (film), September 16, 1972
Himba Songs and Stories at Muholo, [sound recording]
Himba Songs and Stories at Muholo, [sound recording]
Himba Songs and Stories at Muholo, [sound recording]
72-K-5, Side A 1. Omajkumuka and onjongo songs, 24/x/72 2. Kaitaura sings at night 72-K-5, Side B EKwendatu clan legend (at around 20 min.) 25/x/72 72-K-6 Omakumuka, curing ritual songs with clapping hands
Himba Songs and Stories at Iona, South West Africa, [sound recording]
Himba Songs and Stories at Iona, South West Africa, [sound recording]
72-K-7 Side A Conversation at Iona by Maatwi (a man), Čakongongo (a man), and Veričimwe Songs at night by a boy (?) - very weak in distance Side B History of people at Iona, given by informants, Hiurwa and Fernando Kanano. Some translation by Sylvester.
Reactions of Kaitaura on seeing "Himba Wedding" (film), [sound recording]
Reactions of Kaitaura on seeing "Himba Wedding" (film), [sound recording]
72-K-22
Himba Histories of eandas - Ekweyuva, Ekwenombura [sound recording]
72-K-23 Informants: Citanda [Citana], Cipweya,and Maatwike at Muholo
Himba Stories and Song told at night after dinner at Muholo, [sound recording]
Himba Stories and Song told at night after dinner at Muholo, [sound recording]
72-K-24 Side A 1. Nkumbi story by Kaitaura 2. Himba story by Maatwike 3. Ngambwe story by Citanda 4. Ngambwe story by Kaitaura 72-K-24 Side B Song: Citanda
Himba Stories and Songs, [sound recording]
Himba Stories and Songs, [sound recording]
72-K-25 Side A 1. Ceremony at birth of twins by Kaitaura 2. Songing and talking at night, Kaitaura and Cintanda 72-K-25 Side B 1. Story of Kaitaura's premature baby 2. Kaitaura talks about ociwondo [?]
Omiţandu for Ombongora oruzo, by Viurwa at Ewo, [sound recording]
72-K-20
Discussions of Mbare ritual and spirit possessions, [sound recording]
Discussions of Mbare ritual and spirit possessions, [sound recording]
72-K-21, Side A Explaining the mbare "rain shrine" by Čipakei, Nergwa [?], and Kavazewa at Etundo (Tuvda? on the map) Start of spirit possession session on 72-K-21 B Further questions and replies concerning mbare ritual 72-K-21, Side B Spirit possession and question answering by a spirit-possessed woman
Tchavikwa Tribal History and Songs at Kahilona, Chitado area, [sound recording]
71-R-5 recorded at Kahilona
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-17, Sound Recording 44)]
Tchavikwa Vocabulary, [sound recording]
71-R-5 recorded at Kahilona
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-17, Sound Recording 44)]
Hakawona Basic Vocabulary, collected at Oncocua, southwest Angola, [sound recording]
71-R-9
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-18, Sound Recording 128)]
Kwepe basic vocabulary, collected at Ngwaia [sound recording]
Kwepe basic vocabulary, collected at Ngwaia [sound recording]
Kwepe basic vocabulary, collected at Ngwaia [sound recording]
Kwepe basic vocabulary, collected at Ngwaia [sound recording]
72-K-12 Kwepe vocabulary, reel 1A and 1B, informant: André 72-K-13 Kwepe vocabulary, reel 2A and 2B, informant: André
Himba Year Names and Prayers told by Cariwa near Canhimei, [sound recording]
Himba Year Names and Prayers told by Cariwa near Canhimei, [sound recording]
73-K-1 Side A 1. History of the "War of Suse" 2. Cariwa gives rain prayer (transcribed) 3. Year names 73-K-1 Side B Year names
Olutwa basic vocabulary, [sound recording]
Olutwa basic vocabulary, [sound recording]
Olutwa basic vocabulary, [sound recording]
Olutwa basic vocabulary, [sound recording]
73-K-3 recorded at the home of [?] near Hangumbi
Himba Year Names, [sound recording]
Himba Year Names, [sound recording]
Himba Year Names, [sound recording]
73-K-5 and 72-K-6, Sister José Nobriga comments on Himba year names
Himba Prayer to Ancestors for health and rain, Ekoto oruzo, [sound recording]
73-K-7 Recited by Haireka at Ocanaenkmwonga. See account of ceremony [19]73 notes pp.140-142, and transcription and translation (incomplete) in linguistic notebook.
Ngambwe ritual and prayer, [sound recording]
Ngambwe ritual and prayer, [sound recording]
Ngambwe ritual and prayer, [sound recording]
72-K-26 Ngambwe ociwondo (initiation class) system explained by the"soba" - ohamba of the Ngambwe, Chaupa at Peteyakhonĵi, the site of the Ngambwe ombale 72-K-27 Rain prayer of the Ngambwe to ancestors requested at Peteyakhonĵi
Gibson, Fitzhugh, Ubelaker, Washburn, Rinzler, Sturtevant, Berger 90% not recorded
[Also available as copy on 5" tape reel copies (Sound Recordings 133 and 134)]
Fitzhugh, Washburn, Ubelaker, Rinzler, Sturtevant, Gibson (no transcriptions)
[Also available as copies on 5" tape reels (Sound Recordings 136 & 137)]
April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20; June 3, 17, 24
Recordings for Case 11 African Music
Recordings for Case 11 African Music
[Sound recording 138] Original African Reading Dr. Gibson Jim Nyce
[Sound recording 139] African music Master
Translations of Tchavikwa Histories [sound recording]
71-K3
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-13, Sound Recording 43)]
Ndongona Tribal History [sound recording]
72-K-2, related by Augustino Saloa (and his son?) with translations into Portuguese by Raimondo, a Mukumbi. Divided into three texts, each followed by a short Portuguese translation by Raimondo.
Fenykovi 1-4, [sound recording]
Fenykovi 1-4, [sound recording]
Fenykovi 1-4, [sound recording]
Fenykovi 1-4, [sound recording]
Zimba [Zemba] Greetings [sound recording]
71-K-4 Side A 1.Zimba greetings recorded June 24, 1971 at Damba (17 min.) 2. 72-K-19, Zimba Songs recorded November 8 or 9, 1972, at Visiwa's [?], Damba, Chitado, Angola
[Also available as copy on 5" sound tape reel, 3 3/4 ips (71-R-13, Sound Recording 43)]
Himba Music [sound recording]
Eight selections recorded in Namibia, 1960-1961, and Angola, 1971-1972 1. Musical bow 2. Ondongo 3. Lullaby 4. Omitandu
Comments on film, "Himba Wedding", [sound recording]
72-K-1, Comments of some Africans mostly by Nkumbi, after seeing 'Himba Wedding', together with explanation by Father B. Keane and some comments by Dr. Eurico Sarmento, M.D. (min). Then explanation in Portuguese by Father Keane of a film to follow, showing first trip abroad of Pope Paul. (min)
Himba Histories at Iona, [sound recording]
Himba Histories at Iona, [sound recording]
72-K-8, Side A Short history of Ekwambwa eanda 72-K-8 Side B Samangahungu at Cămbeno near Iona. History of Ekweyuva eanda.
Ocihumba songs and onjembo [?] erose and omitandu, sung and played by Kariambizi [sound recording]
Ocihumba songs and onjembo [?] erose and omitandu, sung and played by Kariambizi [sound recording]
73-K-2
Mudge et al.; copy made by/for B.D. Hodgson, National Geographic Society