Mountains of Gold: The People of Porgera

Location:Papua New Guinea; Ipini
Subject:Mining; culture conflict
Length:52 minutes
Format:1/2-inch VHS
Hue:Color
Year Released:1993
Series:
Director:John Davis
Producer:Davis Film & Video
Distributor:Filmmakers Library; Indiana University (rental); Beyond Distribution.
Library Code:UHM AV/C VIDEOTAPE 11823; NFVLS
Description:Mountains of Gold is a unique chronicle of a nomadic, hunter gatherer society undergoing the profound change to a money economy over a ten-year period. This tribe was first discovered by Australian explorers in 1938. Original footage shows the people's amazement at seeing their "white ancestors" in their midst. Until 1984, when gold was discovered on their land, the Ipini's wealth was still being measured by how many wives and pigs they had. When they decided to sell their land to the goldmining company, their way of life would change forever. The mining company began the long and arduous process of bargaining with the Ipini who were surprisingly skilled negotiators. In the end, the Ipini became some of the wealthiest people in Papua New Guinea. Many spent their newfound money quickly -- on cars, alcohol, and women. Living in suburban-style houses changed the tradition of the men living together, apart from their families. The population burgeoned, and shopping and church activities replaced time spent obtaining food. A social worker was needed to help them adjust. (Also put out as Impact of Development: PNG Sample Study: A Goldmine Changes the Indigenous Culture - see http://www.buyindies.com)
Record No:1348
Resources: Distributors's List

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