Papers of Danish anthropologist John Liep (1936-2014), who was known for his research on Rossel Island (or Yela), located in the Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. The collection includes field notes and notebooks, slides, negatives, sound recordings, writings, drawings, and correspondence.

John Aage Liep was born September 20, 1936 in Horsens, Denmark. Originally a student of architecture at the University of Copenhagen, Liep switched to social anthropology, completing a master's degree in 1970. He began his field studies on Rossel Island (or Yela) in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea in 1971, often accompanied by his wife, Annette Liep, and their two children. Liep was best known for his studies of Rossel Island economics and social systems. In particular, he described the ranked exchange of shells on the island as displays of distinction and rank, rather than as a monetary system, in contrast to the earlier studies of W.E. Armstrong.

4.3 Linear feet (10 archives boxes, 1 card file box, 3 oversized folders)

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.

Original sound recordings are restricted. Listening copies may be available for researchers.