On 8 May, the Auckland War Memorial Museum hosted a delegation of artisans from Vanuatu, where their crafts were displayed to a small group of invited guests.
With support from the Australia-funded Vanuatu Skills Partnership, the Department of Industry and PTI New Zealand, artisans from the villages of Vetimboso and Malekula came to Auckland with their handicrafts, including fans, baskets, carvings, beading and woven bags, to be displayed at Tamaki Paenga Hira, the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Christina Sirig, President of the Vetimboso Craft Association and weaver from Vetimboso Village, Vanualava; Jonaston Manar, weaver and carver from Vetimboso Village; and Patricia Mataru, weaver from Malampa Handicraft Centre, Malekula, brought with them arts and crafts made by members of ‘handicraft hubs’ – the Malampa Handicraft Centre, Torba Handicraft Cooperative, and Ambae Craft Associations.
All items were handmade using local tools and traditional crafting methods that have been passed down through generations and are still practised by the local craft makers.
Vanuatu has a rich cultural heritage, which is depicted in their unique and beautiful arts and crafts. Rural communities have limited employment opportunities, so they depend on their traditional skills for income generation through weaving, beading and carving items, which are sold to tourists and locals.
Auckland Museum Retail Manager, Vicky Thomas, said, “Hokohoko, the Museum Store, is an extension of the museum experience and plays an important role in connecting our collections with our living cultures by offering a range of quality, authentic products that are appropriate representations of Pacific cultural and material practice and knowledge.”
Vicky commented on the privilege to be able to collaborate with such skilled, knowledgeable and passionate artists, and to be the first retailer to connect with them.
The collaboration, Vicky added, would broaden the museums community reach by making available the ni-Vanuatu art and craft easily accessible to all visitors and customers to the museum.
Nearly 40 guests attended the exhibition opening.
For more information about the event, or support for the creative industries, please contact the PTI New Zealand team here.
