Blong, Russell J, fl 1962-1991 : Time of darkness, legends from Papua New Guinea

Comprises questionnaire returns, correspondence and reports

The \"time of darkness\" project was undertaken of 1970-1982 with Emeritus Professor Jack Golson from the Australian National University. The aim was to collect oral histories and legends from people in Papua New Guinea about the \"time of darkness\", a cataclysmic volcanic eruption which occurred in Papua New Guinea more than 300 years ago. The initial archaeological investigation was at a site in the Western Highlands Province where thin layers of inorganic sediments were identified in Kuk swamp. Studies of the layers' mineralogy and stratigraphy revealed that many were volcanic ash. The uppermost tephra was the product of a volcanic eruption of considerable magnitude.

The legends were edited into a journal article 'Time of darkness legends fronm Papua New Guinea' in Oral history, Vol VII, No 10, 1979, and later published in the book 'The Time of darkness, local legends and volcanic reality in Papua New Guinea, by R J Blong, Canberra, ANU, 1982.

Quantity: 1 microfilm reel(s).

Finding Aids: See http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/pambu/reels/manuscripts/PMB1329.PDF.