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Paper short abstract:

This paper looks at a variety of values in ethnography and addresses the return of archival documentation for revitalization of culture and self-esteem. The paper is based on fieldwork carried out in 1981-82 with the Warlpiri women in Willowra, N.T., and the return of the data many years later.

Paper long abstract:

This paper looks at a variety of values: the value of the ethnographer in the documentation of indigenous cultural and intellectual property; the intrinsic value of this documentation to the indigenous people themselves; and the benefits of archival documentation for revitalization of culture and self-esteem.

The hypothesis is: the ethnographer is essential for the historical record of a rapidly changing culture. The ethnographer can provide an insight into the values expressed by the culture, through analysis of the research data. When the ethnographic materials are returned to the indigenous community, the people are given the autonomy to govern what happens to the documentation. The documentation of "facts" can help provide the ability to revitalize and practice one's culture. The recorded evidence can contribute to the self-esteem of individuals and of the community as a whole.

The paper is based on fieldwork carried out in 1981-82 with the Warlpiri women in Willowra, N.T. The basis of discussion is the documentation of women's ceremonies, and the return of the data many years later to the indigenous community. Aspects of Warlpiri women's ceremonies, including recordings of songs and photos of designs, provide an audiovisual component to the presentation. The role of the ethnographer in the past, and the potential outcome of the ethnographic data, indicates there is much to be valued in the documentation of indigenous cultural and intellectual heritage.

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