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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Largest display of Melanesian artefacts in Southern Hemisphere 'put to sleep'

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The South Australian Museum is temporarily storing its 2,500-piece Melanesian artifact collection for a multi-year restoration project.
  • A ceremony was held with the Pacific Island community to 'put the artifacts to sleep' before their removal.
  • The museum plans to return the collection to its original display space, with digitization and pop-up exhibitions also planned.

The South Australian Museum is embarking on a significant, multi-year restoration project for its extensive collection of Melanesian artifacts, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The 2,500-piece display will be moved to off-site storage during the conservation process.

I was talking to them and reassuring them more or less, that they are going to be safe.

— Wasodawa MathewsDescribing her feelings during the ceremony to 'put the artifacts to sleep'.

To mark the occasion, members of the South Australian Pacific Island community gathered for a ceremonial 'lullaby' to bid farewell to the culturally significant items. Wasodawa Mathews, who moved to Australia from Papua New Guinea 40 years ago, described the ceremony as "very special," expressing a mix of emotions about the temporary closure.

Mathews shared her hope that the artifacts would be safe and reassured them, stating, "I want to make sure that the crocodile is rested properly, and the spirits will stay with the crocodile." She also emphasized the importance of returning artifacts to their rightful places if they are not to be displayed.

I want to make sure that the crocodile is rested properly, and the spirits will stay with the crocodile.

— Wasodawa MathewsExpressing her spiritual connection to the artifacts.

Samantha Hamilton, the museum director, assured the community that the collection would return to the same space in the coming years, although a specific timeline for completion is not yet set. She acknowledged the responsibility to conserve items that have been on display for decades and confirmed the project is being undertaken in consultation with Pacific communities.

I think not knowing the future of it makes me sad, that they're going to put it to rest today.

— Wasodawa MathewsSharing her mixed emotions about the temporary closure of the exhibit.

Fred Ovia, another community member, expressed his emotional connection to the collection, which he often visited with his grandchildren. He felt the history embedded in the artifacts, pondering their origins and creators. Ovia hopes the restoration will allow future generations to experience the collection, emphasizing that it is not a permanent removal but a temporary measure for preservation. The museum also plans to digitize the collection in 3D and host pop-up exhibitions during the restoration period.

It's very, very important that if they don't want the crocodiles displayed, then they have to go back to their rightful place.

— Wasodawa MathewsStating her view on the repatriation of cultural artifacts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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