Social interactions and field collecting 1888–1889: William MacGregor’s first six months in British New Guinea

Abstract

Sir William MacGregor assembled an Official collection of nearly 11 000 ethnographic artefacts during his time as Administrator (1888–1894) and Lieutenant-Governor (1895–1898) of the colony of British New Guinea. By reviewing three collecting events which occurred during MacGregor’s first six months in office (1888–1889), this chapter illustrates the diversity of field settings and social interactions in which cultural artefacts were acquired for the Official collection. Examination of the historical sources connected with these events reveals that strikingly different types of social encounters, ranging from peaceful through to violent, framed the collection’s assembly. The research highlights the important role that indigenous peoples, as interpreters, traders, leaders, and residents, played in shaping the assemblage through their engagement in bartering or gift-giving. A key finding is that ethnographic objects were not only obtained through peaceful measures but also through punitive actions, therefore demonstrating that the acquisition of artefacts through conflict and plunder dates from the earliest days of MacGregor’s administration of the colony.