PAPUA AND KALABAHAI 1933 PAPUA NEW GUINEA & KALABAHI INDONESIA TRAVELOGUE 72052e

PAPUA AND KALABAHAI 1933 PAPUA NEW GUINEA & KALABAHI INDONESIA TRAVELOGUE 72052e

This terrific tour of Papua, New Guinea and Kalabahai, Indonesia, disrespectfully subtitled "Weird Haunts of Strange People" dates to 1933. It includes footage shot in Port Moresby. It was made by James A. Fitzpatrick whose "Travel Talks" series was a mainstay of the newsreel era. This particular print was intended for home use by a family who owned a movie projector. The film introduces Papua and Calah High, emphasizing their resistance to civilization's influence. Papua, a region of New Guinea governed by Australia, is described with its challenging geography and hostile, primitive inhabitants. Port Moresby, the main landing place, showcases native life. The limited control of white governance is discussed, with natives living in savagery and cannibalism. Papuan villages are self-contained and self-supporting, with cannibalism impacting the male population and polygamy being practiced. Marriage customs include women proposing and exchanging gifts. Women play significant roles in housework, childbearing, and agriculture. Traditional clothing for Papuan girls is described, along with their elaborate head decorations for festive occasions. The influence of foreign missionaries and their challenges with multiple dialects are highlighted, along with the potential positive impact on education and peace. The film transitions to Calah High, describing its strange appearance, superstitious nature, and the influence of witch doctors. Limited European influence and constant war among local petty rajas are noted. Dancing is important in the lives of primitive people, characterized by mass movement and expressionless faces. The future commercialization and civilization of Calah High are speculated. Payment for tribal dances with food from the ship is reminiscent of historical trade. The film reflects on the history of man as a page in the book of evolution and concludes with a farewell to Papua and Calah High, acknowledging their primitive and strange nature. 0:08 - 0:31: Intr

https://archive.org/details/72052ePapuaAndKalabahai · Public domain (Internet Archive)