Tracing Taonga Trajectories: A Methodological Framework for Indigenous Heritage Mapping

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Research Methods
• Environmental Wellbeing
• Museology Systems

Background:

• Rangitāhua holds deep ancestral significance for Ngāti Kuri, but access has been restricted for two centuries.
• European expeditions collected natural history specimens (taonga) from Rangitāhua, distributing them globally.
• The Indigenous-led Te Mana o Rangitāhua program aims to restore Ngāti Kuri's research leadership.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document a collaborative approach to identifying expeditions to Rangitāhua.
• To map the global distribution of taonga and data originating from Rangitāhua.
• To examine institutional responses to data access requests and identify barriers.

Main Methods:

• Provenance mapping to trace specimens from collection to current institutions.
• Analysis of expedition records and institutional archives.
• Evaluation of data request processes and institutional responses.

Main Results:

• 127 expeditions identified, distributing 1.73 million objects across 88 institutions worldwide.
• Successful cross-linking of specimens to expeditions and current repositories.
• Significant institutional barriers and colonial gatekeeping practices hinder data access.

Conclusions:

• Accessible and reciprocal data request systems are crucial for Indigenous data sovereignty.
• Contemporary museology systems perpetuate colonial practices that impede equitable data access.
• Reclaiming research leadership and ensuring Indigenous data sovereignty are vital for environmental wellbeing.