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Oxford University Gambia Expedition 1948

Three geographers survey village and compound life in the Gambia, including the dissection of a hippopotamus.

Amateur film 1948 45 mins Silent

Overview

This film documents an entire expedition to the Gambia, from setting out in July 1948 to the return to the UK. Three geographers were responsible for the survey: C. Swithinbank, E.Gordon and J. Pook. Based at Kuntaur, a river port 150 miles up the Gambia River from the capital Banjul (then Bathurst), the expedition carried out a land survey which covered some 12 square miles. The film shows village and Compound life, with sections on the management of crops and agriculture, plus the dissection of a hippopotamus.