Taonga Māori books 

Explore the richness of Māori culture – dynamic, diverse, and politically strong – through the ancestral treasures, contemporary art, and stories of New Zealand’s indigenous people.

Now back in print for the first time in 20 years. Elsdon Best (1856-1931) was New Zealand’s foremost ethnographer of Māori social life and customs. Today, his work remains a unique and valuable record of Māori tradition.

This ground-breaking book explores the revolution that’s transformed New Zealand museums in recent decades, and is influencing how museums worldwide care for indigenous objects.

A superb reminder of the treasures that were shown to national and international acclaim in the Te Māori exhibition 1983-87.

This highly illustrated book reveals the most extensive collection of Māori taonga (treasures) held outside of New Zealand — those in the British museum.

From Te Papa’s collections comes an illuminating introduction to not only Māori art, but also Māori life, culture and beliefs.

This sumptuous book opens Te Papa’s storeroom doors to reveal its magnificent collection of kākahu (cloaks), and the art and traditions of weaving.