Bid to identify and exhibit rare Cook Islands cultural artifacts

The National Museum announced on Tuesday morning that a bid is to be made to identify and exhibit rare Cook Islands cultural artifacts.
The bid is in response to growing international interest in cultural collections of the Cook Islands. This has prompted the National Museum to initiate an ongoing survey program to identify artifacts.
The program is focused primarily on artifacts and traditional art objects that are being held in local private collections.
Tentatively entitled “Turama” the survey program and its series of “type” based exhibitions will involve collecting data from local informants, collectors and authorities, whereby the museum is making a special appeal to the general public to come forth on any information regarding artifacts or art objects that may be of cultural or historical value.
The second phase of the project is to exhibit these prized pieces, creating the opportunity for the local community to share and view a collection of national treasures within a public space.
At this stage the museum is particularly interested in identifying old stone and wooden objects pre-dating the 1950’s. Although it is doubtful these type of objects are surviving on the island today, we are hopeful that what can be identified will serve as a resource for exhibition, publication and wider educational purposes.
We understand that many of the local cultural artifacts are mostly treasured heirlooms, which have been passed down over the generations. Given the value placed on these objects we would be grateful to individuals or families who will be able to assist in the documentation.
The National Museum currently holds a database of Cook Islands cultural artifacts held in overseas institutions, a record that was formerly established in 1999 through the Museum’s repatriation program. Further information on international collections has been provided through the development of the upcoming exhibition “Atua-Sacred Art from Polynesia” scheduled to open at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, in April 2014.
For members of the community who are interested in contributing or exhibiting their pieces, please contact Mahiriki Tangaroa 20725 ext: 214 / 216 or email museum@culture.gov.ck

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