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East Nepal

Film taken by Tom Spring Smyth during the British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962.

1961 72 mins Silent Not rated

Overview

Film by Tom Spring Smyth taken during the British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962. This is a vibrant and colourful film documenting local life in East Nepal. From children playing on swings and a Ferris Wheel to goat sacrifice, shots of the mountainous landscape and vegetation, agricultural work and daily village life (domestic activities and craftwork).

John Gordon Sheals (zoologist) who led this expedition, would go on to become the Keeper of Zoology at the Natural History Museum from 1971-1985. The team also included W.G. Inglis (zoologist), R.L. Coe (entomologist), A.H. Norkett (botanist), K.H. Hyatt (zoologist), T. Le. M. Spring Smyth (administrative officer) and B.P. Sharma (liaison officer).The main aim of the expedition was the collection of botanical, entomological and zoological material from the Eastern part of the Nepal Himalaya. Financial support came from a variety of sources, which included the Mount Everest Foundation. A number of meteorological instruments were loaned by the Royal Geographical Society.