Research materials relating to Central Cape York Peninsular languages collected from 1964 to 2003. Collection includes grammars, lexical material and text material from Oykangand. Materials comprise written notes, critical literature, theses, data CDs, audio cassettes and reel to reel tape recordings.
Collection includes tape list and introduction to collection, both by Dr Sommer. Fryer Library listing provides access to relevant box.

Content advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that audio recordings in this resource contain material of a personal or sexual nature which may cause embarrassment or offence. Manuscript papers may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased and could contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms and descriptions.

Papers relating to the Relics Advisory Committee within the Queensland Ministry for Aboriginal and Island Affairs and later within the Archaeology Branch of the Department of Aboriginal and Islanders Advancement. The papers contain correspondence, reports, newspaper cuttings and journal articles relevant to the Committee's decisions under the Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1967-1976. In addition the collection includes: notebooks, recordings, videos and photographs related to Rigsby's linguistic and ethnographic works in Queensland; and papers relating to research, teaching, administrations and applied work (especially native title).

Photocopy of a handwritten notebook written by Eseli Peter or Peter Eseli (he was know by both names) of Mabuiag, West Torres Strait. Torres Strait Islander names are spelled in a variety of ways in English, changing with time: this photocopied manuscript has 'Esili'. Peter Eseli wrote his notebook in Kala Lagaw Ya. First page of photocopy has brief notes about provenance from donor, Margaret Lawrie.

'Mer vocab' written on cover of book. Handwritten A to Z list of Meriam Mir words with their English translation. Written in a Signal Exercise Book. Inserted into book: two leaves (leaves have been torn) with Meriam Mir words; one leaf inserted with a poem - the title is in English 'The cat and the rat', the poem is in Meriam Mir.

'Mer - Grammar' written on cover of book. Handwritten in Meriam Mir. Written in a Signal Exercise Book. Back cover has come away and middle pages have come away from staples. Some water damage to bottom left-hand side of book. Twenty three loose pages inserted, many with handwritten Meriam Mir language, in pencil or pen, and some double sided. Inserted is also a playscript, handwritten in pencil on 12 leaves (some have writing on reverse), in Meriam Mir language (5 leaves) and English (7 leaves) and tells the story of a Barber in Bagdad.