Bismarck Archipelago Collection

Papua, New Guinea, native village
Native village on Humboldt Bay, Papua, New Guinea, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

The Duk Duk society, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, 1920. Young men being initiated before they can marry. The Duk Duk is a secret society of the Tolai people of the Rabaul area of New

Map of New Guinea and Bismarck Archipelago, c.1900 (engraving)
533344 Map of New Guinea and Bismarck Archipelago, c.1900 (engraving); (add.info.: Map of New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago, circa 1902)

The Duk Duk Society (colour litho)
2799255 The Duk Duk Society (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Duk Duk Society)

Two men with a single objective - the defeat of the Japanese. An Australian sergeant talking to a native chief from Lului village in New Britain (Papua New Guinea). 9th January 1945

Masks possessing magical qualities, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, 1920. Artist: Strecker and Schroder
Masks possessing magical qualities, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, 1920. These distinctive masks are worn by members of the Duk Duk society

Subsistence farmhouse and garden, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

View of forest covered volcano cone on shores of coastal bay, Kimbe Bay, West New Britain Province, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela falsa) adult, perched on branch during rainfall, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Bismarck Flying Fox (Pteropus neohibernicus) adult, in flight, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Umboi Tube-nosed Fruit Bat (Nyctimene vizcaccia) adult, hanging beneath canopy, Restorf Island, Kimbe Bay, West New Britain Province, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Song Parrot (Geoffroyus heteroclitus) adult male, perched on branch, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

White-necked Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) adult, perched on branch, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Pied Cuckoo-dove (Reinwardtoena browni) adult male, perched on branch, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Black Sunbird (Leptocoma sericea corinna) adult male, perched on flower stem, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

White-bibbed Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus rivoli) adult, perched on branch, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Blue-eyed Cockatoo (Cacatua ophthalmica) adult, perched on leaf stem, Kimbe, West New Britain Province, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Hunsteins Mannikin (Lonchura hunsteini) adult, standing in grass, Kavieng Airport, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Long-tailed Myna (Mino kreffti) adult pair, perched in tree, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

New Britain Boobook (Ninox odiosa) adult, perched on branch at daytime roost, Kimbe, West New Britain Province, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Bismarck Crow (Corvus insularis) adult, perched on branch, Kimbe, West New Britain Province, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Variable Goshawk (Accipiter hiogaster lavongai) adult, perched on branch, Lelet Plateau, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris tristrami) adult, standing on metal post in farmland, near Kimbe, West New Britain Province, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus girrenera) adult, in flight, Kimbe, West New Britain Province, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

Slender-billed Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia amboinensis carteretia) adult pair, perched on branch, New Ireland, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, April

American soldiers from Reconnaissance Troop of 1st Cavalry Divison, releasing courier pigeons with messages for headquarters during World War Two, Ami Island, Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago

Natives of New Guinea, 1643
Natives of New Guinea. 17th century artwork of three men from the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea, paddling an outrigger canoe

GPAC2A-00023
Map of New Guinea and New Caledonia, 1870s. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

Papuan natives, 1800s
Group of Koyari chiefs and their families, southeast New Guinea, 1800s. Hand-colored engraving reproduction of a 19th-century photograph

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The Bismarck Archipelago, located in Papua New Guinea, is a captivating region filled with rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. In the native villages of this archipelago, traditions have been passed down for generations, preserving the unique way of life that defines this place. One such tradition is The Duk Duk Society, which originated in the early 1920s. This society plays a significant role in the social fabric of the Bismarck Archipelago communities. Colourful lithographs depict members adorned with masks possessing magical qualities, adding an air of mystique to their ceremonies. During World War II, two men united with a single objective - to defeat the Japanese. Their bravery and determination exemplify the spirit of resilience that runs deep within these islands. As you explore this enchanting archipelago, you will come across subsistence farmhouses nestled amidst lush gardens on Lelet Plateau in New Ireland. The view from here reveals forest-covered volcano cones along Kimbe Bay's coastal shores in West New Britain Province – a sight that truly takes your breath away. Amidst this natural wonderland resides an array of fascinating wildlife species. From the Varied Triller perched gracefully on branches during rainfall to the vibrant Nicobar Pigeon resting peacefully on Restorf Island's branch – each creature adds its own charm to this diverse ecosystem. Flying through these skies are creatures like the Bismarck Flying Fox and Umboi Tube-nosed Fruit Bat – both showcasing their graceful flight beneath canopies or hanging upside down as they rest undisturbed. And let us not forget about Frasers Dolphin leaping joyfully out of crystal-clear waters off New Ireland's coast. Witnessing such majestic displays reminds us why protecting these precious habitats is crucial for future generations. Intriguing and awe-inspiring at every turn, exploring the Bismarck Archipelago offers an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and the wonders of nature.