The author was fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, at the invitation of Curator Tony Eccles; where he was able to view several taonga (artefacts), and learn about how the RAAM has begun changing how they display and represent indigenous artefacts.
On his first visit, the author examined a stunningly beautiful kaitaka paepaeroa (finely woven cloak), and on his second visit he examined a korowai hihima (undyed cloak), and a korowai ngoi (cloak with tassels and pompoms) which was connected to the late Lieutenant George Phillpotts, who lost his life in the Battle of Ohaeawai in 1845. The author's tupuna (ancestor's) were involved in this battle in the area of Taiamai in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland).
This visit will result in the production of historical and technical reports for use by the museum, and possibly published.
The author would like to acknowledge and thank Tony Eccles, and Elle Norrish, for their tautoko (assistance) and manaakitanga (hospitality) during my visits.
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