1.1. Mbuti-Related Materials, 1954-1972

Includes field notes and related research materials, including correspondence, maps, diagrams, and publications connected with Colin Turnbull's and Joseph Towles' academic interests. The series begins with a large amount of material collected by Towles, Turnbull, Patrick and Anne Putnam, and others (circa 1928-1982, bulk 1965-1972) regarding the Mbuti and Mbo people of the Ituri forest (also known as pygmies) in modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) -- formerly known as Zaire and the Belgian Congo. Kept in original order when possible, materials include a study of Congolese languages, social structure, environment, life stages, music, villager relations, and rituals (such as the Nkumbi circumcision ritual, the elima menstruation ritual, and the molimo spiritual ritual). Drafts of publications resulting from the research, such as copies of Towles' and Turnbull's dissertations on the Mbuti, are included in this series. The series includes similar material collected by Towles and Turnbull on the Ik of Northern Uganda, whom they studied in the field from 1965-1966 and from 1970-1972. In addition, the series contains material collected for the Tourism as Pilgrimage project (1978-1979), Turnbull's work on the US prison system (circa 1976-1986) and Towles' work on Judaism and religion (1980s). The series also includes miscellaneous anthropological research, mostly related to Africa, which includes numerous copies of rare East African newspapers (1965-1971); galleys and uncorrected manuscript proofs on African and anthropological subjects sent to Turnbull for editing; an edited copy of The Human Cycle (1983); and publications and research on subjects such as archeology, psychology, homosexuality, black power and racism in the United States including the 1968 New York University race controversy. Also included are reproductions of materials regarding American slavery such as a slave bill of sale, correspondence, and advertisement for slave sales as well as articles on the Jonestown, Guyana mass suicide (1978). Includes miscellaneous correspondence (1952-1966) and an interview with WWII Japanese internment camp detainee (circa 1979).