Developing a minimally invasive species identification protocol for taonga tūturu
This project will create a minimally invasive sampling technique to identify the animals used in manufacturing taonga tūturu, precious objects created by Māori artisans. This will substantially enhance the capabilities of the museum and heritage sector to find and engage meaningfully with the custodians of these taonga .
Project Team: Dr Amber Aranui, Dr Monica Tromp, Sophie White, Dr Alana Alexander, Dr Karen Greig, Dr Kristine Richter, Dr Ashley Scott, Dr Ramari Stewart, Dr Camilla Speller, Dr Christina Warinner
Partners: Southern Pacific Archaeological Research, University of Otago, Harvard, University of British Columbia, Te Kauika Tangaroa Charitable Trust
Funding: MBIE Endeavour Fund – Smart Ideas
Project Description: This project will develop and apply a minimally invasive sampling technique (MIMS or Minimally Invasive Molecular Story) for collagen peptide fingerprinting to identify animals used to manufacture taonga tūturu, precious objects of significance to Māori.
We will develop MIMS using taonga tūturu thought to be made from whalebone, held in the collections of Te Papa Tongarewa. These could be confused with taonga made from kōiwi, and so are in critical need of analysis so that, if necessary, work can begin on their return to their papa kāinga.
Primary Outputs:
Creating a MIMS manual to equip iwi and the museum and heritage sector with information to choose culturally appropriate sampling techniques ordered from least to most destructive
Identification of species of taonga tūturu will connect people to their history and stories that may have been lost to them.
Assess and implement appropriate tikanga for taonga tūturu.
Create an exhibit at Te Papa Tongarewa to showcase this new methodology and how it can expand our knowledge of heritage and conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
