Lec 5: Our sea of things

Question 1

Explain Dr Teresia Teaiwa meaning of the ‘comparative approach’

Answer 1

A deeper level of analysis when looking at and understanding our region. Looking at relationships and connections.

Question 2

What is Hau’Ofa’s argument about comparative approach?

Answer 2

Pacific people have all of these connections that colonial thinking has made us forget about

Question 3

What is material culture?

Answer 3

Tangible peices that enable us to represent ourselves, remember and tell our stories

Question 4

What is the role of material culture?

Answer 4

1. offers insight into the past, present and future

2. part of a continuum of enduring expressions and innovations

Question 5

Why do we need museums?

Answer 5

1. to preserve histories, objects and cultural practices
2. shape others’ understanding of oceania
3. help us understand ourselves

Question 6

How can museums and pacific people help each other?

Answer 6

1. Museums can hire pacific curators
2. Rethink collection practices and creating access for pacific communities
3. indigenous people can push museums to exhibit and address difficult histories.