The manuscripts were formerly in the possession of Captain Victor Brisson (1881-1951), a well-known sea captain based on Tahiti, who for many years was in charge of different trading ships visiting the Pacific Islands.

The papers are in two sections. The first section consists of 26 photocopied pages, the originals of which are held by Dr Bengt Danielsson, Tahiti. The second section (154pp) is preceded by a working index which gives background information on each item. The index is too long to reproduce here but is available on request from the Bureau . Subjects covered by the manuscripts: genealogies, legends, traditions and chants. Geographical names are mentioned as are names for months, seasons and moons. The papers are in various languages including English, French, Tuamotuan and Tahitian.