Explore the Tangata Whenua Gallery, with its impressive displays of Maori cultural artefacts. The design of this gallery centres around the protocol of a marae, with local pieces to the left and northern provenance material displayed on the right.
 
The gallery was designed with the help and guidance of representatives of Ngai Tahu, the local iwi (tribe) in Otago. In the South Island section you’ll find a display of finely crafted objects in wood, whale ivory and pounamu (greenstone). The pounamu treasures include amulets and mere (fighting clubs), all heirlooms on deposit from prominent Ngai Tahu families.

Enter through the gateway, a modern structure depicting legendary crew and canoes that travelled here from Hawaiki, to see examples of prehistoric rock drawings and material from the Shag River mouth archaeological site, once inhabited by moa hunters. There are also artefacts from sites near the Otago Harbour relating to later historical periods and European contact periods.
 
You’ll be overwhelmed with the focus of the central area of the gallery - the grand and ornate waka (canoe), Te Paranihi, and intricate carvings of the meeting house from Ngati Porou, the North Island's East Coast Tumoana-Kotore. Enjoy displays of creation myths, tribal identity, genealogy and textiles. Everyday activities such as hunting, fishing and garden planting are explained with reference to rituals to the appropriate deities.

The Museum is currently working closely in partnership with Ngai Tahu to develop Te Matapihi - a cultural resource centre which will offer an additional opportunity to engage with Ngai Tahu culture past and present.

Downloadable Children's Activity!
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Mini Book