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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Missionary positions

Stella Ramage on Father McHardy’s Bougainville portraiture.

More information on Missionary positions

Selected images

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Matepai c. 1929-32
Matepai c. 1929-32
‘An old man in Evo country. He had never seen a camera before – but after a bit of palaver he did not mind running the risk!’ c. 1929-32
‘An old man in Evo country. He had never seen a camera before – but after a bit of palaver he did not mind running the risk!’ c. 1929-32
Pitakai and Tapisoko c. 1929-32
Pitakai and Tapisoko c. 1929-32
Sicope c. 1929-32
Sicope c. 1929-32
Maria and Baria c. 1929-32
Maria and Baria c. 1929-32
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

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