HomeCollectionsRepatriationPacific Islands

Pacific Islands

Repatriation of Cultural Artefacts Returned to Melanesian Museums, at the opening of 'Pieces of Paradise' exhibition

On 6 May 1988, the Australian Museum opened an exhibition called 'Pieces of Paradise' which featured objects from the Pacific collections. To celebrate the opening of this exhibition, the directors of the national museums of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu were invited to select items from the Australian Museum's Pacific collection for return to their national museums.

Mr Soroi Marepo Eoe, the Director of the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery, selected an oil jar from Manus Province acquired by the Australian Museum in 1887. Used for the storage and transport of coconut oil, this type of container is no longer being made. These jars were virtually unbreakable and were often seen in canoes transporting oil from place to place. The Manus oil jar was chosen as beneficial to the National Museum because it might inspire younger craftsmen to revive its production.

Mrs Grace Molissa, a representative of the Vanuatu Government, selected a feathered bark cloth from Ifira Island to be returned to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. The style of the barkcloth, which was acquired by the Australian Museum in 1904, is called massi. Production of massi died out at the beginning of the 20th century. Traditionally undecorated massi would be worn by men as a loin cloth covering. Large decorated massi with feather attachments were made for house and ceremonial use. In return, Mrs Grace Molissa presented a woven basket as a gift to the Australian Museum.

This was not the first time objects had been repatriated to the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. The Australian Museum has long had a close relationship with this institution. Two other highly significant items which have been returned include a slit drum from Mele on Efate Island, on 26 March 1981 and a bark cloth from Erromango Island, on 21 June 1984. Both items are important contributions for the cultural revival of Ni-Vanuatu people.

Mr Lawrence Foana'ota, Director of the Solomon Islands National Museum and Cultural Centre, selected an ebony bowl with pearl shell inlay, which is called apira ni mwane. The bowl is used in public rituals. At the ceremony Mr Foana'ota, presented the Australian Museum with Red Feather Money from Ndende, Santa Cruz Islands, Temotu Province, on behalf of the National Museum, government and people of the Solomon Islands. This is traditionally used as payment for 'bride price.'

Mr Soroi Eoe, Director, National Museum and Art Gallery of Papua New Guinea, presenting an address at the opening of Pieces of Paradise exhibition on 6 May 1988.

Mr Lawrence Foana'ota, Director of the Solomon Islands National Museum, presenting Red Feather Money to Prof. David Throsby, Trustee on behalf of the Australian Museum Trust, 6 May 1988.

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002