Police Boy "Hinamali", Bwaidoga, Morata Island

This portrait of Hinamali was reproduced in R. Curtis ' Men of Morata', Walkabout, 1 October 1944. In his article Curtis wrote that Hinamali ' belongs to the native constabulary and represents the 'Guvman'...he was smart in his scarlet-banded blue serge blouse, his shorts with cartridge belt and service rifle. He snaps out orders in the dialect of the Morata people or in "Police - Motu" - the tongue taught to all police boys of Papua. He also speaks a little English. When asked by the Captain to pose for his picture - he stood to attention, without flinching, without a smile.'

In 1942, Curtis was appointed Officer in Charge of Camouflage in New Guinea. As well as recording the activities of the Australian and American troops, Curtis took every opportunity to visit local villages, creating a series of portraits of Papuan Islanders. Several of these drawings were used to illustrate short articles Curtis contributed to the Australian magazine 'Walkabout', and provide insight into the experiences of local civilians working for Australian troops or displaced by the conflict. Generally, the articles were observations on 'native' life, including marriage, wood carving, and body adornment, however Curtis also commented on distinguishing physiological features of individuals from different tribes.

Curtis was appointed as an official war artist in March 1945, covering the civil and industrial war effort in Australia.