New Guinea Micro-Evolution Project Papers, 1959-1994

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Summary

Title:
New Guinea Micro-Evolution Project Papers
Dates:
1959-1994
Abstract:
Papers related to the New Guinea Micro-Evolution Project, led by James B. Watson. Also included are papers written for an American Anthropological Association conference session looking back at the study and its impact on the discipline. Papers range in date from 1959-1994, and include reports, meeting minutes, working papers, and conference papers.
Extent:
0.25 Linear feet (1 archives box)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

New Guinea Micro-Evolution Project Papers, MSS 436. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.

Background

Scope and content:

Papers related to the Micro-Evolution Study in New Guinea, led my James B. Watson, as well as its impact on the discipline of anthropology. The collection has been arranged in two series: 1) PROJECT PAPERS and 2) CONFERENCE MATERIAL.

SERIES 1: PROJECT PAPERS

The series PROJECT PAPERS includes copies of documents related to the Micro-Evolution Study. These papers include meeting notes, a grant proposal to extend the study, memos documenting the project, and project reports written by James Watson.

SERIES 2: CONFERENCE MATERIAL

The second series, CONFERENCE MATERIAL, contains papers, notes, and planning documents for a session at the 1994 American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting. The session - Sartor Resartus: The New Guinea Micro-Evolution Project, 1959-1983 and After - examined the Micro-Evolution Project's impact on research methods, interests, and anthropology in general. Speakers included David Boyd, David Cole, Brian Du Toit, Paula Brown Glick, Terence Hays, Madeleine Leininger, Robert Littlewood, Howard McKaughan, Donald Tuzin, Robert Welsch, and George Westermark. Many of the presenters were participants in the project. The series contains planning documents and notes from the session, as well as many of the participant's papers - both early drafts and finished works.

Biographical / historical:

The Committee on New Guinea Studies (CONGS), formed in the United States in 1956, consisted of anthropologists from six Pacific Coast universities. Concerned with the rapid disappearance of native populations untouched by Western influence, the group planned a long term study of populations in interior New Guinea. Beginning in early 1959, a cooperative study began in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Led by James Watson and supported by the National Science Foundation, the project examined the languages, cultures, psychological traits, racial characteristics, and ecological adaptations of the native populations in Gadsup, Tairora, Auyana, and Awa. Along with Watson, researchers included Howard McKaughan, Brian du Toit, Madeleine Leininger, Robert Littlewood, K.J. Pataki, and Robert Welsch.

Acquisition information:
Acquired 2013.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections Archives, UC San Diego
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2019-01-04 14:12:48 -0800 .

Access and use

Terms of access:

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.

Preferred citation:

New Guinea Micro-Evolution Project Papers, MSS 436. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.

Location of this collection:
9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0175
La Jolla, CA 92093-0175, US
Contact:
(858) 534-2533
spcoll@ucsd.edu
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