The Sterling Robbins papers contain his research and observations of the indigenous Auyana people in the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea between 1963 and 1965.

Sterling G. Robbins was born in Dodge City, Kansas in 1936. Robbins attended the University of Washington for his graduate studies, earning a Ph.D. in Anthropology in 1970. His dissertation, "Warfare, marriage, and the distribution of goods in Auyana" met mixed reviews in the anthropology community and was later revised, expanded and published as Auyana: Those who Held onto Home (1982). After he earned his Ph.D. Robbins was associated with the University of California, Los Angeles in the early 1970s and after some time became associated with the University of Hawaii.

6 Linear feet (13 archives boxes and one shoebox)

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.

Original audiovisual formats are restricted. Listening copies may be available for researchers.