Description
Papers of Edwin Aubrey Cook (1932-1984), American anthropologist, professor, and specialist in Manga culture in Papua New
Guinea. Cook devoted his career to anthropological work, focusing on kinship and social structure of the Manga tribe in Papua
New Guinea. The bulk of the collection is comprised of manuscripts, reprints and audio recordings relating largely to Cook
and Susan Pflanz-Cook's anthropological studies of native New Guinea society.
Background
Edwin Aubrey Cook, American anthropologist, was born in 1932. He attended the University of Arizona, where his interest in
anthropology was stimulated by the guidance of Professor Edward H. Spicer. After graduating with high distinction and honors
in 1959, Cook went on to graduate study at Yale University and was further influenced by Professors Floyd G. Lounsbury, Harold
W. Scheffler, and Leopold J. Pospisil. While working with Pospisil, Cook developed an interest in New Guinea. Cook conducted
field work in the Jimi River District of the Western Highlands District (now Province) of Papua New Guinea from 1961 through
1963, with support from the National Institutes of Mental Health and the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
Cook's dissertation, Manga Social Organization, was presented in 1967.
Extent
19 Linear feet
(32 archives boxes, 15 card file boxes, 1 flat box, 1 map case folder)
Restrictions
Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.
Availability
Original sound recordings and negatives are restricted. Researchers may request user copies in advance of their visit.