Valuable Artifacts
p. 20 · Read in the full issue
Being Drained From Cook Islands
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonr A
« A «Oio.Ng.A, Feb 26.
REQIENTLY suggested, but always rejected on grounds of expense, that hardy old perennial, a local Museum, has again been brought into focus by the activities of tourist curio hunters.
For years past—in fact, ever since a retiring Resident Commissioner departed literally with a boatload of ancient stone axes and other similar impedimenta—there has been a steady exodus of irreplacable native workmanship.
Many territories have regulations speci ally framed to prevent the. export of such objects; others, again, insist on the shipper producing evidence of consignment to a recognised Museum. While no doubt in tended to check the indiscriminate peddling of antiques, this law leaves a
serious loophole insomuch as there is nothing to stop an owner “lending” his collection, only to withdraw it later for the purpose of a private sale.
Unfortunately in Rarotonga, the seem ingly inexhaustible supply of small stone toki or chipping adzes does not meet the needs of souvenir-hunters, and within the past few months several really exceptional objects have been acquired by visitors at ridiculous prices. Amongst these are two hollow-ground stone axe heads, each measuring over 12 inches, and both larger than any at present in the Wellington Museum. Included, also, are a rare cere monial axehead, much resembling a broadly made pick, and a triangular shaped greenstone battle-axe in perfect condition.
All of these are very definitely “mu seum pieces” and should never be allowed to leave the Island.
Just now the natives are more prone than ever to part with articles long cherished as family possessions, and the fact that they only too often ask—or accept—absurdly low prices is as much to be regretted as are the “rag and bone” propensities of those who take advantage of their ignorance or poverty.