This collection contains single manuscripts, typescripts and other materials which have been given to the Melanesian Archive since 1982. It includes many conference papers and other unpublished reports, most concerning anthropological topics. The geographic scope of the collection includes Papua New Guinea, Irian Jaya, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Fiji. A majority of the materials are on Papua New Guinea.

The Melanesian Archive was started in 1982 by Donald Tuzin and Fitz John Poole, both faculty members of the Department of Anthropology at UCSD. The Archive is dedicated to the collection, preservation, dissemination, and repatriation of unpublished materials on all aspects of Melanesian society, culture, linguistics, and history.

8.2 Linear feet (21 archives boxes)

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.