Since the time of Captain Cook's visits to New Zealand and the arrival of Maori artefacts back in Great Britain, the study of Maori material culture has established a special connection between
the two countries and, even more specifically, between the British Museum and New Zealand. This volume, the much anticipated definitive catalogue of the largest Maori collection outside New
Zealand and the result of over a decade's research by leading specialists from both countries, represents a continuation of that relationship and documents many items of major artistic and
cultural significance.
The substantial introduction gives a history of the study of Maori material culture and of the varied Maori collections that were acquired by the British Museum. This includes new research on
previously little-known collectors that provides a fresh insight into how this iconic corpus of objects was brought together.
The extensive catalogue describes over 2,300 objects 羅including canoes and their paddles and equipment, storehouses, a model house, ornately carved house-posts, lintels and panels, treasure
boxes, tiki, musical instruments, ceremonial and mortuary objects, weapons, tools, cloaks and baskets. It is generously illustrated with photographs of more than 800 objects, 95 of which are
reproduced in colour.
This work comprises a major monument to Maori creativity and history, and will remain an invaluable reference on the subject for generations to come.
