4077 - Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Photographer: John William Lindt (1845–1926). Images of indigenous people and landscapes of Papua New Guinea. 1885. 12 albumen prints, mounted on black boards with gilt edges. Each approximately 15 x 20.5 cm (mounts 17.5 x 27 cm) and reverse. In 1885, photographer John William Lindt accompanied Sir Peter Scratchley’s expedition to the newly proclaimed Protectorate of British New Guinea. In 1887, he published fifty photographs from the expedition in his book *Picturesque New Guinea*. The expedition, led by Scratchley, set out one year after Britain annexed the territory. Lindt had wanted to visit the island of New Guinea ever since he first spotted it on the horizon during a visit to the Torres Strait in 1868. Upon arrival, Lindt immediately sought opportunities to take photographs. His photographic work was facilitated by the Commissioner and the resident missionaries. William George Lawes (1839–1907) had established the London Missionary Society in New Guinea in 1874. An inland excursion was undertaken, guided by a government officer, and one of the locations visited was the village of Kalo. For other photographs by J.W. Lindt, see lots 4007–4010. – Boards slightly warped; some prints have surface scuff marks and slight fading along the edges; otherwise, most are in good condition with strong contrast. Provenance: By descent to the current owner.