A Blank on the Map
| A Blank on the Map | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary |
| Written by | David Attenborough |
| Narrated by | David Attenborough |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Distributor | BBC Worldwide |
| Broadcast | |
| Original airing | 1971 |
| Chronology | |
| Preceded by | Attenborough in Paradise |
| Followed by | The Lost Gods of Easter Island |
| Related shows | Attenborough in Paradise and Other Personal Voyages |
A Blank on the Map is a BBC TV documentary written and presented by David Attenborough. It was first transmitted in 1971 and is now available on the DVD collection Attenborough in Paradise and Other Personal Voyages. The documentary follows Attenborough as he joins a back-country patrol in New Guinea crossing through a previously unexplored region in search of an uncontacted people known as the Biami. After several weeks in the interior, the expedition eventually encounters signs of human habitation and, toward the conclusion of their journey, they are approached by a small tribe of natives who allegedly had never before had contact with the outside world. The curious and friendly tribe engages in some minor trading with the expedition. They become alarmed, however, when Attenborough and company attempt to follow them to their homes. The tribe suddenly disappears into the forest and are not seen again.