A long-awaited reunion: The powerful return of Hāmama to its rightful home
After over a century of separation, a precious tekoteko has finally found its way back to the arms of its people, the Ngāti Hine. This emotional homecoming marks the end of a complex journey and a significant victory for the Whanganui River community.
The tekoteko, known as Hāmama, represents an esteemed ancestor of the Ngāti Hine and had been misidentified for decades. It was acquired by the Dominion Museum in 1912 and held in national collections for over a hundred years. But here's where it gets controversial: despite the misidentification, the carving's true origins were revealed through a chance encounter in 1986.
Rachel Tinirau, a descendant of Ngāti Hine, recognized the distinctive Whanganui style of the tekoteko during a visit to the National Museum. This discovery sparked a 40-year repatriation process, with various Whanganui groups advocating for Hāmama's return.
The journey was long and challenging, with letters, formal requests, and renewed approaches made over the decades. However, shifts in museum practices and a growing recognition of the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and provenance helped reopen discussions.
Arapata Hakiwai, co-leader of Te Papa, acknowledged the global museum community's reckoning with the collection and classification of indigenous taonga. He emphasized the institution's learning journey, influenced by iwi, hapū, whānau, and experts, which has shaped Te Papa's approach to community relationships and decisions about taonga.
In 2019, a significant step forward was made when Hāmama was returned to Whanganui on a long-term loan to the Whanganui Regional Museum. This loan was part of the Ngā Wai Honohono exhibition, which aimed to reconnect taonga with their people.
Dr. Rāwiri Tinirau, director of Te Atawhai o Te Ao and chairman of the Rānana Marae Reservation Trust, described the moment Hāmama was carried onto the marae as deeply significant for the hapū. It marked the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration to bring their ancestor home.
The return of Hāmama to Rānana Marae was witnessed by hapū descendants, Whanganui iwi, and members of the local community. It was an emotional and historic event, with many feeling a sense of closure and connection to their ancestral heritage.
And this is the part most people miss: The homecoming of Hāmama opens the door for the potential return of many more taonga connected to Whanganui hapū. These taonga, currently resting in museums and collections elsewhere, may soon find their way back to their rightful homes.
Te Papa's chief executive, Courtney Johnston, acknowledged the museum's commitment to changing its traditional role as a holder of cultural material. Johnston stated that Te Papa aims to be a museum that sends taonga home, not one that keeps them.
To celebrate Hāmama's return, Te Papa gifted a mere pounamu named Te Hokinga Mai, recognizing the significance of the occasion. This gift symbolizes the museum's support for the repatriation process and its commitment to righting historical wrongs.
The story of Hāmama's journey home is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and the ongoing efforts to reconnect taonga with their communities. It raises questions about the role of museums and the ethical considerations surrounding the collection and display of indigenous artifacts. What do you think? Should museums prioritize repatriation and the return of taonga to their rightful owners?
