Recirculating J. H. Hutton's Cylinder Recordings in Nagaland
PROJECT LEAD
Dr Christian Poske
DURATION
January-March 2022
PLACE(S)
Nagaland
FUNDER
International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
Pitt Rivers Museum, Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, The Highland Institute
PROJECT STATUS
To be confirmed.
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Overview
The project “Recirculating J. H. Hutton’s Cylinder Recordings in Nagaland” focuses on reconnecting early 20th-century sound recordings of Naga communities, originally recorded by John Henry Hutton, with contemporary communities in Nagaland. Through archival research in the UK, fieldwork in Nagaland, and collaborative exhibitions and workshops, the project seeks to contextualize these recordings and reintroduce them to their source communities. It also aims to improve access to these materials by creating enhanced digital archives for long-term preservation and research use.
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Objectives
The project aimed to evaluate and document Hutton’s cylinder recordings and related archival materials, while facilitating their ethical and meaningful recirculation among Naga communities. It sought to understand contemporary community responses to historical recordings, foster dialogue between archives and source communities, and enhance access to these materials through digitization and improved documentation. Additionally, the project aimed to create platforms—such as exhibitions and workshops—for knowledge exchange and engagement around sound heritage.
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Research Themes
To be confirmed.
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Methodology / Research Approach
archival research in the UK, fieldwork in Nagaland, and collaborative exhibitions and workshops
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Fieldwork Photos / Media
Use only where relevance, consent and rights are clear.
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Photo credit / date
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Photo credit / date
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Photo credit / date
Additional photographs, audio, video, maps or documentation may be linked here.
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Activities
To be confirmed.
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Outcomes
The project resulted in a deeper understanding of the historical recordings and their contemporary relevance, as well as meaningful engagement with Naga communities through fieldwork, exhibitions, and workshops. It facilitated the return of digitized recordings with enhanced documentation to partner institutions in India, improving accessibility for both researchers and local communities. The initiative also strengthened collaborative ties between international archives and regional institutions, contributing to more inclusive and community-centered approaches to audiovisual heritage preservation.
Research Team
Lanuakum Aier, Research assistant
Partner Institutions
Pitt Rivers Museum, Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, The Highland Institute
Participants / Communities
Naga communities
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Knowledge Records from this Project
To be confirmed.
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Publications
To be confirmed.
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Films & Media
To be confirmed.
Related Places
To be confirmed.
Related Wiki Records
To be confirmed.
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Sources and References
- The Highland Institute, THI Project List.
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IMAGE RIGHTS / MEDIA CREDITS
To be confirmed.
