| Description | Material contains footage relating to an expedition to the 'Alacaluf' Tribe at Tierra del Fuego (Argentina/Chile). This expedition to visit the Alacaluf (or Kawesqar) was an offshoot of the Royal Society's expedition to Southern Chile, led by Dr M W Holdgate, as documented in the film 'South from Chiloe' (AV/3/16).
Kodachrome stock produced between 1935-1962. Canvas rucksacks visible in some scenes. Expedition members rarely seen in frame. Material shot mainly from point of view of expedition crew. Colour is rich, print quality very good. There is no audio.
Records expedition to remote tribe. Journey by trawler along river, mountain range often visible in shot. Various scenes of wildlife, seals, birds, sea-life. Traditional craft examples shown, small woven pot and woven canoe (appear constructed from grass/reed). Tribe observed as they live; gather wood, make shelter, (completion of shelter not shown - bow wood inner structure seen). Many dogs live as part of family group. Several canoe trips undertaken, canoes lie empty at shoreline. Indigenous family group row in canoe to shoreline, a death has taken place. Wooden crate box coffin garlanded with vegetation. Simple white painted wooden cross and hooped wreath is then seen after loading onto small boat. Camera not present in lead up to funeral or present at funeral. Static shot shows simple cross with garland, mountain range in background (burial has taken place). Family group seen leaving by boat. Expedition team later seen leaving the island. Expedition team boat observed on water, high angle shot from hillside. Wide river and mountain range in background.
Footage contains the following shot material;
View of trawler/boat travels along river, mountain range visible. Several shots from different angles as boat proceeds along wide river. Snow capped mountain range hoves into view. Camera follows seagull flying low to surface water. Rear view of boat and foaming wake with mountain range in shot. Small red/white/blue flag at rear of trawler. No footage of party disembarking.
Four men walk on land ascending large hill, grass and rocky scree visible. Canvas rucksacks. Single man walks on large grey boulders. Snow capped mountain range in background.
Various wildlife shots. Birds fly from rocks into water. Group of mature seals (pale grey/brown) rest on edge of rocks by waters edge. Small group of seals swim past. Bird flaps wings low in water attempting flight - not seen taking flight. Cut to nest containing five cream coloured birds eggs. Pink/purple crab shown in rock pool. Two starfish shown followed by sea urchin in rock pool.
Grassy outcrop. Ethnic family group in western style dress gather wood. Family group row in canoe. Shelter construction using thin bowed wood, infant and dog in frame. Wood gathered at shingle shore, multiple dogs present. Close up shot of woven basket with lid and handle examined and inspected against cloth background, Pointer indicates areas of particular interest regarding weaving pattern. Indigenous man and explorer seen talking - film is mute. Infant girl (age 3/4) in cream plain pinafore stares into camera. Little boy (age 8/9) walks along shingle shore - camera tracks him - wears cream jumper/trousers and appears to be wearing black wellington boots or similar.
Pack of 15 dogs eating and scavenging at animal skin on shoreline, B/W drawing traditional tribesman wearing animal furs (dog also in drawing). Family in canoes at shoreline and seen rowing away. Cut to model of woven canoe against cloth background - pointer indicates areas of particular interest in weaving pattern. Young boy seen in earlier punts with long oar/stick in boat. Sailors (from trawler) with white hats disembark from rowing boat. Boxes, supplies, seen. Metal crate visible the words 'P[uerto] Eden' (obscured) RS Expedition seen on crate. Two young boys stand by boxes and look into camera.
Family seen on shoreline. Wooden shack in view. Wooden coffin seen with vegetation having been placed atop. White wooden painted cross with large circular vegetation garland. Cut to observe wooden boat on water, coffin and cross visible in boat. Family row away from camera. Cut to see white cross and garland (funeral has taken place) with snowcapped mountain range in background.
Wide angle view of trawler in river with mountains in background as boat travels away. Shot from high atop hillside. Final scenes - from trawler as it travels along river. |