On Indigenous Collections: Provenance, Repatriation & Ethics

One topic that has sparked much debate in the art and museum world in the last decade is that of provenance and the ownership of Indigenous artworks and objects from local, national and international communities. Many museum professionals are now concerned with learning about the history and significance of works in their collections, and ethical considerations regarding ‘ownership’, which can lead to the repatriation of taonga to the correct descendants.

At this event, three museum professionals from Aotearoa and Australia explore provenance and repatriation best practices regarding Indigenous objects and articulate how, if done well, a returning process can be enriching for all people and institutions involved.

Talk One: The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Provenance Project
By Jacob O’Keefe, National Gallery of Australia

Talk Two: Object Absence and Presence – Reimagining Space in the Museum
By Chantal Knowles, Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Talk Three: Breathing and Reflecting on Indigenous-to-Indigenous-led Practice
By Juliana Satchell-Deo, Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

This Member event is part of our programme in response to the exhibition Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia and presented in collaboration with Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum. We welcome both Gallery and Museum Members to attend.

Q&A: Hear Chantal Knowles, Jacob O’Keefe and Juliana Satchell-Deo discuss provenance and repatriation best practices in the museum sector with Auckland Art Gallery’s Senior Curator, Māori Art, Nathan Pohio, and the public.

Image: Ancestor, people not recorded, Torres Strait Islander people, Mask, 19th Century, shell, resin, human hair, fibre string and natural earth pigment on wood, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2006