Oxford University Gambia Expedition 1948

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

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.