Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
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Episode 3: The Story of Te Awe - Preserving the Kākahu
The first phase of this project (2013-2016), centred on the renewal of the Auckland Museum’s carving store, home to approximately 5,400 carved taonga. Amongst these are decorative carvings from whare, domestic and agricultural tools, tiki, pūtātara (conch trumpets), waka and hoe (canoes and paddles), and weaponry such as patu and taiaha.
Hikitia Harawira, Collection Manager Taonga Māori arranging whakairo (carving) in the Auckland Museum storeroom. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Crafted from pounamu (greenstone), bone, shell, and various stones and wood, these taonga speak to all aspects of Māori material culture and exemplify the diverse range of styles and techniques developed over generations. Often considered everyday ‘practical’ tools and utensils they all display the incredible workmanship that went into making these objects, emphasising how talented, skilful and technologically advanced our ancestors were.
Agricultural implements re-housed in purpose-built trays to be stored in the Museum’s basement store. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
The job of our Conservators is to ensure that the taonga are physically stable before we move, clean or photograph them reporting any condition issues and making recommendations for future care. Some of the items in the Museum’s collection are in an incredibly fragile state and run the risk of disintegrating entirely. With advice from our Taumata Māreikura and the skilled work of our conservators, we were able to undertake extensive stabilisation on one such kākahu during the second phase of the project.
Karin Konold, Te Awe Project Conservator carefully looking at the deterioration of the black muka on a kaitaka (a type of cloak). Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Deterioration of cloak made from dyed black muka (flax fibre). Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Close up image of deterioration. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Kate Blair undertaking stablisation work on a garment. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Karin Konold carefully looking at the deterioration of black muka. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
Kate Blair, Karin Konold, Rangi Te Kanawa and Dr Maureen Lander examining the deterioration. Photo: Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum
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Tāmaki Paenga Hira / Auckland War Memorial Museum Photo: Auckland War Memorial Museum
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