item details
Overview
Significance
This ngatu (tapa cloth) was gifted by a member of the Tongan community in New Zealand to Te Papa Tongarewa at the opening of the exhibition Tangata o le Moana:the story of Pacific people and New Zealand in 2007. The ngatu is important as it symbolises the Tongan community's engagement with an exhibition intended to celebrate the contribution and success of Pacific Islanders both in New Zealand and abroad.
The custom of gifting and exchanging is evident across Pacific cultures, and this gifting represents the respect and appreciation between the two parties involved. In this instance, the ngatu acknowledges the relationship between Te Papa and the gifter and is a reflection of the collaboration and knowledge exchanged. The previous owner of this ngatu, Tevita Finau was an advisor and member of the Pacific Advisory Group that Te Papa Tongarewa convened during the development of the Tangata o le Moana exhibition.
Acquisition History
This ngatu was presented to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa at the opening of the Tangata o le Moana exhibition in October 2007 by Tevita Finau.