Miklukho-Maklai commemorated in Novgorod region

The 18th Nikolai Miklukho-Maklai (1846-1888) readings, dedicated to his birthday, will be held in his birthplace Okulovka (Novgorod region, Russia's northwest).

The readings will be held on Okulovka Square, where the monument to the famous Russian traveler and ethnographer was erected.

Archivists, historians, ethnographers, and travelers from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod region and foreign guests, including Australian writer and traveler Wendy Paton will gather in Okulovka. Olga Miklukho-Maklai, great grand-niece of the famous ethnographer will be an honorary guest of the readings.

The exposition "Gifts to the Museum" will open in the Okulovka local lore museum on Miklukho-Maklai's birthday. It features the new showpieces presented to the museum since the 17th readings.

The most precious exhibits are ritual and domestic articles from Papua New Guinea, which were sent by Australian Miklukho-Maklai's researcher of the Russian origin Pavel Skobelkin, 65. Among them are Papuan clothes, bags, a knife, axe, darts, and a bow with arrows.

Moreover, new books about Miklukho-Maklai will be presented at the exposition.

The museum will also host an exhibition of schoolchildren's drawings.

After the readings flowers will be laid to Miklukho-Maklai's monument and the local anthem containing words about the traveler will be performed on the square.

Nikolai Miklukho-Maklai was born on July 17, 1846. He is famous for his research of indigenous people in Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania in 1870-1880.