The Maori Collections of the British Museum

The British Museum holds the largest Maori collections outside New Zealand, including some items of major artistic and cultural significance. This important book will contain a substantial introduction including a history of the study of Maori material culture in Britain and New Zealand and a history of the BM collection and how it was acquired. This will be followed by a detailed catalogue describing over 2,300 items - including woodcarvings, model canoes and paddles, domestic equipment, cloaks, baskets and bags, jewellery, musical instruments, ceremonial objects, fishing and hunting equipment, tools, weapons, and modern ceramics - an appendix listing collectors, donors and vendors, a glossary, and about 340 photographs illustrating approximately 500 objects. Written by specialists from both Britain and New Zealand, this book will be the definitive publication on this remarkable collection.