Exploring ‘the Rock’: Material culture from Niue Island in Te Papa’s Pacific Cultures collection: Tuhinga 22

Tuhinga 22: 101-124

ABSTRACT: The Pacific Cultures collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa) holds around 300 objects from the island of Niue, including textiles, costumes and accessories, weapons, canoes and items of fishing equipment. The history of the collection is described, including the increasing involvement of the Niue community since the 1980s, key items are highlighted, and collecting possibilities for the future are considered.

KEYWORDS: Niue, material culture, collection history, collection development, community involvement, Te Papa.