Tuhinga 23

The newest issue of Tuhinga demonstrates the continuing high quality of scholarship at Te Papa, with a particularly strong show of papers from the humanities.

Two articles exploring the form and function of matau, traditional Māori fishooks, open the volume. The first takes clues from ancient karakia about how these tools were used in the time before European arrival; the second narrows in on an outstanding example of ornate carving.

In the third article, lectotypes for three species of forget-me-nots are selected, with the rationale for each carefully explained and specimens illustrated in detail.

A new species of tick is described and illustrated in the fourth article, including its association with the New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat, taxonomic history and affinities with Australian bat-tick fauna.

A further article from the humanities looks at how childhood - an extremely elusive element of history - is recorded and presented through objects in New Zealand museums.

The historical importance of gifts to Māori is illuminated in an article about two mere pounamu (greenstone clubs) given by chiefs Tītore and Patuone to King William IV and the sets of amour then given in return.

In the final article, Te Papa’s collection of colourful and dramatic First World War posters is examined, with a focus on their changing function and meanings during the end of the war years and in the years since. 

Download the entire journal at the link below, or browse and download indivudual articles.