Museums and Maori

This groundbreaking book explores the revolution in New Zealand museums that is influencing the care and exhibition of indigenous objects worldwide. Drawing on practical examples and research in all kinds of institutions, Conal McCarthy explores the history of relations between museums and indigenous peoples, innovative exhibition practices, community engagement, and curation. He lifts the lid on current practice, showing how museum professionals deal with the indigenous objects in their care, engage with tribal communities, and meet the needs of visitors. The first critical study of its kind, Museums and Maori is an indispensible resource for professionals working with indigenous objects, indigenous communities and cultural centers, and for researchers and students in museology and indigenous studies programs.

Conal McCarthy is director of the Museum and Heritage Studies Program at the Victoria University of Wellington. He has worked as an art educator, curator, and exhibition interpreter at the New Zealand National Art Gallery, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Waikato, and sits on the boards of the Adam Art Gallery and New Zealand Cricket Museum. Previous books include Exhibiting Maori: A History of Colonial Cultures of Display (Berg).