In this podcast Mātauranga Māori curator Isaac Te Awa talks about takatāpui taonga held in the Mātauranga Māori collection at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Summary
The podcast recorded at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa discusses the theme of takatāpui taonga (treasures relating to Māori LGBT individuals) in the museum's Mātauranga Māori collection. Isaac Te Awa, a curator specializing in Mātauranga Māori, elucidates the concept of takatāpui and its historical relevance and reclamation, specifically during the late 1990s. It is pointed out that takatāpui, although referred to traditional companions of the same gender, now encompasses a broader meaning within the Māori community, including all non-heterosexual identities.
The interview touches upon the ways in which takatāpui was normalized in pre-colonial times and the impact of colonial oppression on its perception and representation. While current understanding of takatāpui embraces a wide spectrum of identities within the Māori and larger rainbow communities, it is highlighted that there are challenges in identifying takatāpui-related taonga in existing collections due to the biases of initial collectors.
Te Awa outlines the history of collection at museums, detailing how collecting habits of the past, primarily by straight European males in the 1800s, focused on items that fit popular narratives while neglecting or actively suppressing items linked to sexuality or gender diversity. Te Awa underscores the need for a thorough understanding of Māori art and life to recognize takatāpui taonga, as many items were collected without acknowledging their true significance.
Additionally, the podcast reveals how cultural artifacts from different regions in New Zealand indicate a pervasive and violent suppression of takatāpui identities, especially through alterations made by missionaries or collectors to fit a Western perspective. The practice of defacing carvings that did not adhere to Christian norms during the colonization process had long-term consequences on Māori spiritual and sexual identity.
The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming narratives and facilitating community engagement in telling their own stories. Te Awa emphasizes the curator’s role in empowering the Māori community to represent their identity, rather than projecting external interpretations. The significance of including takatāpui perspectives in the museum's exhibits and collections is stressed, with particular focus on increasing representation and documentation that respects community sentiments.
Looking forward, Te Awa speaks to the responsibility of museums to accurately record the life experiences and contributions of takatāpui individuals within the larger historical context. By addressing gaps in collections and revising cataloging strategies, Te Awa hopes future generations can better understand the complexities and nuances of Māori and takatāpui histories.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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