Ian, you are well situated for field research as you are located in Australia, so with regard to proximity you can direct necessary travel from a point of origin in reasonable distance. Frankly, while 'business' these locations are places which as in my early years would be seen in "National Geographic" myself and guys I knew conceded we would never go.
On that note, I used to find old "National Geographic" magazines in antique stores and book shops, and it was incredible to buy these 1920s and 30s issues which remarkable photos and articles. While not 'arms' oriented of course, and typically rather evasive in any detail, many of the images include well armed natives. These often provided remarkable insights of the contexts of many forms.
For me, in my corner always seeking the particular history of weapons, that is much of the perspective I seek. Most collectors are more toward the many variations, features and aesthetics of the forms, often with detail on manner of use etc. We all follow our own courses, but put together in a collective effort, the results would be phenomenal! and an ultimate comprehensive work on not only these weapons, but an anthropological reference of amazing value.
I have long wanted to advance ethnographic weaponry into these aspects of academia as a recognized element of anthropological perspectives.
In my research, I am quite literally in all directions all the time, so seldom focused on one. My interests in the weaponry in these fields has been intermittent and occasional, depending on what queries were at hand.
As pedestrian as it might sound, one dramatic prompt was the 1983 movie "Nate and Hayes" which regardless of 'accuracy' depicted natives and these cultures in an inspiring dimension. Other such adventure influences, mostly movies, always managed to pique my curiosity.
So NOW....my curiosity profoundly piqued!!!
I must excavate those issues of TRIBAL ARTS, which subscription has long lapsed, and no idea what the RANSOM is these days
but MUST resubscribe. Thanks Ian !! LOL!
The outline of your project is well laid out Iain, and I think that as a group effort (you can always count me in) ...like the "Baker Street Irregulars" in Sherlock Holmes.......many of us here can sort of be the eyes and ears seeking varied resources. We can specify and target certain areas in accord with your direction, and with your field research.
That would align with the thread which would be held as a 'sticky' and kept as a perpetual and inclusive venue to build the archived material.
Most important, those collectors who specialize in these fields, can enter their collection examples with whatever detail they have researched, and these could be moved into the categorized sections.
OK! "..the games afoot!"........uh, you know who!