Mana Taonga and the micro world of intricate research and findings around taonga Māori at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Authors

  • Huhana Margaret Smith
  • Huhana Margaret Smith

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol6iss2id126

Keywords:

Mana Taonga principle, intricate research, taonga Mäori

Abstract

At the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa) an important principle known as Mana Taonga guides the practice of all staff and their work with collections of art, cultural, natural and historic material, including taonga Māori. The principle is an encompassing concept premised on values and modes of understanding that are intrinsically Māori, but observed for all the collections housed and cared for within Te Papa. Within the context of Aotearoa museum studies, this paper examines how this principle is pertinent for Māori curators who are involved in intricate and intimate research around Māori communal treasures.

Author Biographies

  • Huhana Margaret Smith
    Senior Curator Mäori Mätauranga Mäori Unit Collections and Research Group Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
  • Huhana Margaret Smith
    Senior Curator Mäori Mätauranga Mäori Unit Collections and Research Group Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

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Published

09-12-2009

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2009): Matter in Place

Section

Articles

License

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How to Cite

Mana Taonga and the micro world of intricate research and findings around taonga Māori at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. (2009). Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, 6(2), 7-31. https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol6iss2id126