Harvard and Adelaide Universities Anthropological Expedition sociological, anthropological and ACER data cards

Archive Collections / Board for Anthropological Research / Series AA346/04 / Harvard and Adelaide Universities Anthropological Expedition sociological, anthropological and ACER data cards
Board for Anthropological Research Expedition N

One card series containing sociological data, two card series containing anthropological data, and two card series containing ACER [Australian Council for Educational Research] test data collected on the Harvard and Adelaide Universities Anthropological Expedition in 1938-1939. Also five card series of research data relating to the expedition and resulting publications. This expedition travelled through South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Cape Barren Island (Tasmania), Victoria and Western Australia, visiting 32 ' field stations' (mostly missions and settlements) between 13 May 1938 and 30 June 1939. Data was recorded on approximately 2,500 people during this survey. Cards have (expedition symbol) N printed or written in the top left hand corner.

For further information on the expedition see AA 338 Tindale and AA 689 Birdsell, particularly AA 338/1/15/1-2 (Tindale's journals of the expedition), and AA 338/2/34-37 (supplementary papers), and AA 689/1/1. Note that there are complementary series of data cards relating to this expedition in Birdsell, AA 689/9/16, and that these cards contain additional sociological information. Note also that a name database for this series of cards exists and can be accessed at the South Australian Museum Archives.

Two publications provide information on the methods and results of the expedition: NB Tindale, 1940, ' Results of the Harvard-Adelaide Universities Anthropological Expedition, 1938-39: Distribution of Australian Aboriginal Tribes: A field survey', Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia vol 64 (1), 1940: 140-231; and Norman B Tindale, 1941, 'Results of the Harvard - Adelaide Universities' Anthropological Expedition, 1938-1939: Survey of the Half-caste Problem in South Australia', Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Australian Branch), vol XLII (1940-41): 66-161.

Note that within any given series the amount of data recorded varies from card to card.

Note that some cards have data recorded under the heading 'Tribe' (in the Sociological Data series) and/or 'Group or Tribe' (in the Anthropological Data series), and many cards have no data recorded under these headings. In the descriptions which follow, any information under these headings has been reproduced. Some data under these headings appears to have been added later by NB Tindale. Note that some cards also record data for kin of the (subject numbered) individual (not reproduced in this listing).The apparent inconsistency of the recording of data under the headings 'Tribe' and 'Tribe or group' for the Harvard-Adelaide expedition data cards suggests the need for caution when using this data.

Note that the data cards contain many variant spellings of tribal/language group names. In the descriptions here the various terms and spellings have been reproduced, with what appear to be later amendments in square brackets. At the end of this series an attempt has been made to supply corresponding tribal/language group names according to standardised spellings adopted by NB Tindale (see AA 338) and AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies); however, this has not been possible in all cases.

  1. N1 - N2458 Sociological Data
    This series comprises printed cards on which data has been recorded under the following headings: (individual subject) Number, Name, Sex, Age, Effage, Loc.[ation], Tribe, Date, and Remarks (over); and which have space for two photographs. Most cards have two black and white photographic prints attached, usually a front and a profile portrait showing head and torso. The photographs also show (individual subject) numbers and place. This series contains cards on individuals numbered 1 to 2458. Numbered slips have been inserted to indicate missing cards. The cards are organised in (individual subject) number order by field station. The dates have been drawn from the cards and added as a reference aid.

  2. N1-2458 Harvard Adelaide Expedition Anthropological Data
    This series comprises printed cards on which data has been recorded under the following headings: (in the first section) Place, Date, Observer, Recorder; (in the second section) (individual subject) Number, Sex, Child, Adult, Group or Tribe, Name, Birthplace, Rank, Occupation, Kinship with, Father's Group or Tribe, Mother's, Family Number, and also headings for other kin details, and other details including Genetic class, Blood group and Age. The remainder of the card, including the reverse, is printed with headings and categories for the recording of physical observations and measurements (anthropometric data), numbered to 80. The first card in the series is annotated by NB Tindale: 'For Genetic class data see Genealogies by NB T[indale] recorded by family number', 'Sociological details and genetic assessment by NB Tindale based on genealogies collected and recorded in Notebooks which see for data on Genetic class'. Most cards have JB B[irdsell] recorded as 'Observer' and BG B[irdsell] as 'Recorder'. Some information in the second section appears to have been filled in by NB Tindale, possibly later. Note that interleaved with the Woorabinda cards are a set of duplicate cards by NB Tindale, used as temporary sociological data cards.

    These cards are ordered by (individual subject) number but not separated into groups by place. They have been described here by place as an aid to reference.

    Cards for individuals numbered N1 to N1299 are in Drawer 11.
    Cards for individuals numbered N1300 to N2458 are in Drawer 12.

    The numbered cards are preceded by one unnumbered card:
    • Unnumbered, Brisbane River, Harvard-Adelaide Expedition Anthropological Data.

    • Swan Reach (South Australia) [N1 - N37]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Aranda, Maraura, Marauro, Mining, Murundi.

    • Cummeragunga [Cumeroogunga] (New South Wales) [N38 - N92]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Wemba-wemba.

    • Pilliga (New South Wales) [N93 - N130]
      Tribes/groups recorded:Kamilaroi.

    • Walgett (New South Wales) [N132 - N133]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Brewarrina (New South Wales) [N134 - N254]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Aranda (Southern), Cooper Creek, Dawson River, Gunu, Kugai, Malgangapa, Maraganji, Tibooburra, Wiradjuri, Wei wan, Wemba, Wankamara, Wailpi, Weilwaw, Weilwan=Nemba.

    • Boggabilla (New South Wales) [N255 - N331]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Jualuroi, Juarlaroi of Ballone [?] River, Kamilaroi, Kungari.

    • Woodenbong (New South Wales) [N332 - N400]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Arakwal, Bandjabang, Bandjalan, Bondjalan, Kalibal, Kitabal, Kitabel, Lange, Minjangbal, Widjabel, Widje, Woka woka.

    • Mona Mona (Queensland) [N401 - N605]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Ba:Baran, Bulerwai, Buluwai, Buluwandji, Djirubal, Idi, Idinji, Imba, Kantju, Kokobididji, Kokobujundji, Kokoji Birdji, Kokoimudji, Kokojalandji, Kokojelandji, Kokojibindji, Kokopaton, Muluridji, Muluritji, Natjan, Tjapokai, Tjapukai, Tjabukanji, Tjapukia, Tjapukandji, Wakaman, [Walangama].

    • Yarrabah (Queensland) [N606 - N945]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Barunguanti (?), Buluwai, Djarkan, Djankan, Djirubal, Idjindji, Idinji, Kalkaduna, Koko Imudji, Kokobididji, Kokongi, Kokonjunkul, Kokujawa, Kukandji, Kungkandji, Kungkangji, Kunkandji, Kunkantji, Maikulun, Maikulung, Muluritji, Mutumui, Natjan, Ngatjan, Ngundjan, Tjapukai, Wagamai, (Waljan).

    • Palm Island (Queensland) [N946 - N1200]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Awamin(1198), Biria, Comet[?], Dagalang, Djangkan, Djiru, Djirubal, Guram, Idindji, Jalanga, Jokula, Kailag, Kalkadunga, Kandju, Keramai, Kokobujundji, Kokoimudji, Kokojelandji, Konanlin, Kukatji, Kulandji, Kunaninj, Kundjan, Kungara, Kunggari, Kuntjan, Lardil, Maikuduna, Maikulung, Mamu, Muluntji, Muluritji, Natjan, Nawagu, Nawaigi, Ngalanj, Njawagi, Olkol, Olkolu, Rinurini, Tjapukai, Togalog, Waarakamai, Wakaman, Walar, Wangi, Wanjuru, Warakamai, Warumungu, Weragerai, Wik.munkan, Winduwinda, Wulgurukaba.

    • Woorabinda (Queensland) [N120 - N1299]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Araba, Badjiri, Barara, Batjala, Barada, Bidial, Bindal, Biri, Darambal, Goamu, Gomu, Gorenggoreng, Iman, Iwan, Jaibo, Jaurorka, Jirandali, Jokula, Kairi, Kalkadun, Kanalu, Kangulu, Karingbai, Keramai, Koa, Koamu, Kokmini, Kokokuntjan, Kokolamara, Korengaren, Korenggoreng, Korengoren, Kungadutji, Kungan, Kungardi, Kungari, Kunggari, Maikulun, Maithakari, Maraganji, Maranganji, Muluritji, Murukanja, Nguri, Palanju [Janjula], Pitjara, Wakai, Wakawaka, Widi, Wiri.

    • Cherbourg (Queensland) [N1346 - N1500]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Dagalan, Durambal, Kairi, Kalali, Kanalu, Kangulu, Kokoimudji,
      Kokomini, Kongabula, Kungari, Maikulan, Mamu, Tjapukai, Wolamama.

    • Kempsey (New South Wales) [N1501 - N1503]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Djaingadu.

    • Wallaga Lakes (New South Wales) [N1504 - N1526]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Lake Tyers (Victoria) [N1527 - N1578]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Karnai.

    • Cape Barren Island (Tasmania) [N1579 - N1712]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Point McLeay (South Australia) [N1713 - N1822]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Murray Bridge (South Australia) [N1823 - N1828]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Jaruldikeld, Ngadjuri.

    • Point Pearce (South Australia) [N1829 - N1910]
      Tribes/groups recorded:Tanganekald.

    • Collie (Western Australia) [N1911 - N1917]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Gnowangerup (Western Australia) [N1918 - N1964]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Borden (Western Australia) [N1965 - N1991]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Albany (Western Australia) [N1993 - N2006]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Balardong.

    • Moore River (Western Australia) [N2053 - N2125]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Balardong, Wudjari.

    • Southern Cross (Western Australia) [N2126 - N2156]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Njikena, Wangai.

    • Mount Margaret (Western Australia) [N2157 - N2279, N2309 - N2314]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Nangatadjara, Ngagagjara, Pini, Tjalkadjara.

    • Laverton (Western Australia) [N2280 - N2308]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.

    • Norseman (Western Australia) [N2316 - N2342]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Tjeraridjal.

    • Nullarbor Station (South Australia) [N2343 - N2347]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Mirning.

    • Koonibba (South Australia) [N2349 - N2435]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Kokata, Kukata, Mirning, Wirangu.

    • Port Augusta (South Australia) [N2436 - N2449]
      Tribes/groups recorded: Kokata, S[outhern] Aranda.

    • Menindie [Menindee] (New South Wales) [N2450 - N2458]
      Tribes/groups recorded: none.




  3. N1-2458 Harvard Adelaide Expedition Vital Statistics
    This series comprises printed cards with data recorded under the following headings: (in the first section): (individual subject) Number, Name, Gen[etic] Class, Tribe, Place, Family Number, Date, Age (years kn./est.) Date of birth, Place of birth; a second section for recording details of children, and a third section for recording details of a woman's reproductive life. Some cards are printed on the reverse of other data card formats. These cards record data about women.

    These cards are ordered by (individual subject) number but not separated into groups by place. They are numbered according to two systems: either the (individual subject) number of the individual about whom the data is recorded; or the relationship of the woman to an (individual subject) numbered individual (for example: m[other] of N1; w[ife] of N1; S[ister] of N1). There are multiple cards relating to some (individual subject) numbered individuals; and no cards relating to others.

    This group of cards is preceded by a card stating: 'Harvard-Adelaide Univ. Anthrop Exp. 1938-1939 Vital Statistics. Digested from Genealogies; Notebooks and other data.'

    The Harvard-Adelaide numbered cards are preceded by a number of groups of cards which do not have (individual subject) numbers, organised by individual name or place. Some of these cards record data relating to women and families who do not appear in the other card series of this expedition. Some cards appear to have been compiled later from written records.

  4. Cards relating to individuals numbered N1 to N331 are in Drawer 12. Cards relating to individuals numbered N332 to N1200 are in Drawer 13. Cards relating to individuals numbered N1201 to N1830 are in Drawer 14. Cards relating to individuals numbered N1833 to N2458 are in Drawer 15. Note that the 'Family Number' is the same as the 'Sheet Number' in the Harvard-Adelaide expedition genalogies, by place name (see Series AA 346/5/3).
  5. N1-2542 Harvard-Adelaide Expedition ACER [Australian Council for Educational Research]
    This series comprises printed cards on which data has been recorded under the following headings: (individual subject) Number, Child, Adult, est./kn., Tribe, Name, Where born, Status, Occupation, and kinship details. Further headings relate to other social and physical categories, including Marital Status, and Blood group. A second section contains headings for the recording of language and education, as well as a space for notes on health. Further sections contain headings for the recording of results of ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) tests. The final line has headings for recording research activities of the expedition. On the reverse of the card are headings for recording /grading a range of cultural beliefs and skills, categorized into columns as 'Aboriginal' and 'European', and attitudes to cultural change. A final line records Place, Date, Observer and Recorder.

    These cards in ordered by (individual subject) number but not separated into groups by place. Some cards record data on children who were not allocated an (individual subject) number; these are given sub-numbers and filed following the last numbered individual at each field station. In general, the language section is completed on cards relating to adults, while the ACER sections are also completed for children. Some cards include notes on individuals. The data on these cards appears to have been recorded by NB Tindale and DM Tindale.

    This card series is preceded by two photocopied notes by NB Tindale, one relating to census information and one relating to the ACER cards. See also ACER test results in the NB Tindale collection: AA 338/2/35/19.

    Cards relating to individuals numbered N1 to N1829 are in Drawer 16.
    Cards relating to individuals numbered N1830 to N2542 are in Drawer 17.

  6. N Harvard-Adelaide Expedition ACER (Unnumbered)
    These cards record data from a range of places, mainly on children.

  7. N11-2435 Harvard-Adelaide Expedition ACER (Copy)
    These cards have 'copy' stamped in top right-hand corner. They are copies of ACER cards relating to children from the series described above. They are arranged in order by (individual subject) number, but the numerical sequence is incomplete as only the children are included in this series. The reverse of these cards are either blank or printed but without any data recorded.

  8. Harvard-Adelaide Expedition Mona Mona (Queensland) Demographic and Tribal Data
    This group of cards record the numbers of individuals at Mona Mona broken down by tribal/language group and decade of birth. At the beginning of the card group are two summary cards titled ' Mona Mona Summary' which show numbers by tribal/language group and decade of birth. Following are cards of working notes, one or more for each tribal/language group, broken down by decade of birth and categories (F1, F2 and so on).
    There are also cards with notes from Mona Mona on 'Genealogies', 'Tribes', school test research and corrections, as well as photocopies of correspondence to NB Tindale dated 1942 relating to individuals and general research.

  9. Harvard-Adelaide Expedition Yarrabah (Queensland) Demographic and Tribal Data
    These cards record the numbers of individuals at Yarrabah broken down by tribal/language group and decade of birth. They are cards of working notes, with one or more for each tribal/language group, broken down by decade of birth and 'genetic' categories (F1, F2 and so on). Some of this data is on purpose-printed cards.

  10. Harvard-Adelaide Expedition Palm Island (Queensland) Demographic and Tribal Data
    These cards record the numbers of individuals at Palm Island broken down by tribal/language group and decade of birth. They are working cards, with one or more for each tribal/language group, broken down by decade of birth and 'genetic' categories (F1, F2 and so on). This data is recorded on purpose-printed cards.

  11. Harvard-Adelaide Expedition Bibliography - Tribes
    These cards are handwritten in NB Tindale's hand. On the top left hand corner is recorded a tribal/group name, or names, or region of Australia. Some cards record bibliographic references, with notes of population estimates and dates, and of 'first occupation'. Some cards have detailed notes on hordes. Some cards include estimates by Tindale of area and population density. The cards appear to be roughly grouped by state. This group of cards appears to be working data for NB Tindale's 1940 publication: 'Distribution of Australian aboriginal tribes: a field survey.' Transaction of the Royal Society of South Australia vol 64 (1): 140-231.

  12. Harvard-Adelaide Expedition Bibliography - Population
    These cards contain notes in NB Tindale's hand relating to population estimates (from published sources), followed by notes on research results of the Harvard-Adelaide Expedition and published sources on 'genetic classes' and related topics, in rough alphabetical order by topic, from 'Blood grouping'. These cards appear to be research notes for NB Tindale's 1941 publication: 'Results of the Harvard - Adelaide Universities' Anthropological Expedition, 1938-1939: Survey of the Half-caste Problem in South Australia', Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Australian Branch), vol XLII (1940-41): 66-161.



This series contains references to the following regions of South Australia: Nullarbor - Great Victoria Desert; North Central; River Murray - Coorong; Adelaide - Mount Lofty Ranges; Yorke Peninsula.

This series contains references to: Queensland; New South Wales; Tasmania; Victoria, Western Australia.

This series includes references to named groups as listed above.

Tindale Tribes: Araba; Arakwal; Aranda; Badjalang; Badjiri; Balardong; Barara; Batjala; Bindal; Biria; Buluwai; Dainggati; Darambal; Dieri; Djankun; Djiru; Djirubal; Ewamin; Idindji; Jandruwanta; Janjula; Jauraworka; Jiman; Jirandali; Jokula; Jotijota; Kalali; Kalibal; Kalkadunga; Kamilaroi; Kandju; Kangulu; Kanolu; Karingbal; Keramai; Kitabal; Koa; Koamu; Kokata; Kokobididji; Kokobujundji; Kokoimudji; Kokojawa; Kokojelandji; Kokokulunggur; Kokomini; Kokopatun; Kokopera; Kongkandji; Korenggoreng; Kukatja (QLD); Kula; Kunggari; Kurnai; Lardiil; Maikudunu; Maikulan; Maithakari; Maljangapa; Mamu; Maranganji; Maraura; Minjungbal; Mirning; Muluridji; Mutumui; Nangatadjara; Nawagi; Ngaiawang; Ngaro; Ngatjan; Ngemba; Ngundjan; Nguri; Njikena; Nukunu; Olkolo; Pini; Pitjara; Ringaringa; Tagalag; Tjalkadjara; Tjapukai; Ualarai; Wailpi; Wakaman; Wakawaka; Walangama; Wanjiwalku; Wanjuru; Warakamai; Waramanga; Weilwan; Wembawemba; Widi; Wikmunkan; Winduwinda; Wiradjuri; Wirangu; Wongkumara; Wudjari; Wulgurukaba.

AIATSIS Tribal/Language Groups: Adnyamathanha; Agwamin; Arrernte; Badimaya; Badtjala; Balardung; Bidjara; Bindal; Biri; Budjari; Bundjalung; Burarra; Dainggatti; Darumbal; Dieri; Djabuganjdji; Djirbalngan; Ganggalida; Gangulu; Garingbal; Giya; Gugu-Badhun; Gunggari; Gunu; Gureng Gureng; Guugu-Yimidhirr; Guwa; Kaantju; Kalkadoon; Kamilaroi; Kokatha; Koko-bera; Kokomini; Kokowarra; Kooma; Kukatj; Kuku-yalanji; Kullilla; Kunjen; Kurnai; Kurtjar; Lardil; Margany; Mayi-Kulan; Mayi-Kutuna; Mayi- Malyangaba; Meru; Mirning; Mutumui; Nana; Nguri; Nyanganyatjara; Nyawaygi; Nyikina; Nukunu; Pitta-Pitta; Takalak; Thakurti; Tjalkanti; Waka Waka; Wailwan; Walangama; Wandjiwalgu; Wangkumara; Wargamaygan; Warumungu; Wemba Wemba; Wik; Winda Winda; Wiradjuri; Wirangu; Wongaibon; Wudjari; Yandruwandha; Yanuwa; Yawarawarka; Yidinjdji; Yirandali; Yiman; Yorta Yorta.

CreatorBoard for Anthropological Research
ControlAA 346/4/20
Date Range01 May, 1938  -  01 June, 1939
Quantity 350cm,   11   file card drawers containing data cards
Series AA346/04