This film was made during the Board for Anthropological Research (BAR) expedition to Yuendumu, Northern Territory during 13 August - 1 September 1951.

The expedition party flew to Alice Springs from where they drove a bus to Yuendumu where they were met by the Superintendent at Yuendumu, Mr Langdon. See: NB Tindale Journal (AA 338/4/30), pp.1-2.

The method adopted by BAR expeditions to undertake research and record the results involved assigning a unique number to each individual (here called 'individual subject number'). This number was given the expedition symbol as a prefix, and remained consistent throughout the research. This expedition was assigned the symbol 'P.' All individuals recorded during the expedition were assigned an individual subject number, for example [P16]. Where possible the 'individual subject number' of those who appear in film have been noted.

'Minjena's Lost Ground' is a final film production relating the story of Minjena Tjakamara [P16] a respected elder of the Ngalia people. He remembers the life of his people before European contact and observes the contrast between traditional life and the radical changes to social structure, occupation, diet and health since the arrival of white men in his country.

Locations: Hermannsburg Mission, Yuendumu Baptist Mission Settlement (Northern Territory).

Keywords: Weapons - Spears / Spear throwers, Hunting - Kangaroo, Fire-making, Food Gathering - Grass seed, Bulbs, Cattle droving, Domestic service, Dog scalps, Settlements, Missions, Vegetable gardens, Rations, Children at school, Motor vehicles, Radio communication, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aircraft.

Script / Director: TD Campbell (AA 52)
Cinematographer: J Campbell Dobbie
Narration: JG Cornell
Produced by: The University of Adelaide, BAR
Series: Aspects of Aboriginal Life in Central Australia.
Individuals: Old Minjena Tjakamara [P16] of the Ngalia people.

Tindale Tribes: Ngalia

The South Australian Museum Archives Master Preservation Tape (AA 346/9/15/1/5) is a new Digital Interpositive consisting of (AA 346/9/15/1/2-3). Duration 14 minutes 02 seconds.

The original master copies of this film were processed in the BAR Film Catalogue as C#1.

1. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. MASTER POSITIVE PRINT
   Characteristics: 16mm, colour, silent, 540ft.
   
   
2. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. SOUND MASTER POSITIVE
   Characteristics: 16mm, optical sound, 540ft.
   
   
3. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. DUPLICATE POSITIVE
   Characteristics: 16mm, colour, silent, 540ft.
   
   
4. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. SCREENING PRINT
   Characteristics: 16mm, colour, optical sound, 540ft.
   
   
5. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. MASTER PRESERVATION COPY
   Format: SP Betacam
   Duration: 14 min 02 sec
   Transfer Date: 1/07/2006
   Generation: Copy of AA 346/9/15/1/2 - AA 346/9/15/1/3
   
   
6. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. DUBBING / LOAN COPY
   Format: Digital Betacam
   Duration: 14 min 02 sec
   Transfer Date: 1/07/2006
   Generation: Copy of AA 346/9/15/1/5
   
   
7. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. PRESERVATION DVD 1 [TIME CODED]
   Format: DVD
   Duration: 14 min 02 sec
   Transfer Date: 1/07/2006
   Generation: Copy of AA 346/9/15/1/6
   
   
8. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. PRESERVATION DVD 2
   Format: DVD
   Duration: 14 min 02 sec
   Transfer Date: 1/07/2006
   Generation: Copy of AA 346/9/15/1/6
   
   
9. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. ACCESS DVD 3 [TIME CODED]
   Format: DVD
   Duration: 14 min 02 sec
   Transfer Date: 1/07/2006
   Generation: Copy of AA 346/9/15/1/7
   
   
10. 'MINJENA'S LOST GROUND,' 1951. ACCESS DVD 4
    Format: DVD
    Duration: 14 min 02 sec
    Transfer Date: 1/07/2006
    Generation: Copy of AA 346/9/15/1/8
    
    

• NB Tindale Journal made on Expedition to Yuendumu, Central Australia, 1951, (AA 338/4/30). Typescript copy with annotations.
  
  
• NB Tindale Expedition to Central Australia, 1951, Supplementary papers (AA 338/2/40)
  
  
• BAR Film Catalogue of the colour films C1-C11 (AA 346/9/27/14).