Papeete's Museum
p. 37 · Read in the full issue
Where Fr. Oceania's Relics Are Preserved
„ From our Own Co p
Papeete, Sept. 1.
NEXT year will mark the 25th anni versary of the founding of Papeete’s Museum—it was established on Jan uarv 1 1917, when the Governor (Monsieur G. Julien) brought into being the Societe D’Etudes Oceaniennes.
The Society was formed to gather, con serve and protect native relics of French Oceania. There was, indeed, urgency; for
already some of the finest collections had passed into the possession of foreign museums and prowling scientists.
Souvenir collectors were constantly acquiring ancestral heirlooms by craft, wheedling or purchase, from native families, so exportation of artifacts from the Colony was prohibited by a law made in June, 1917.
The first quarters of the Museum were in “Le Batiment B. Dependent De L’Ancienne Caserne DTnfanterie”, in the centre of Papeete. After some years it was moved to the present handsome premises in the Mamao section of Papeete. Situated in spacious grounds,
this building was formerly the official residence of the Secretaries-General of the Colony.
The Museum has acquired a very re presentative collection of Islands an tiquities from all parts of French Oceania. In addition to examples of every art and craft of ancient Polynesia, there are also the old crown of the Tahitian monarchy, the sceptre of Tehapapa 11, last queen of Huahine (Society Islands), and several omore (carved ceremonial spears) of ancient high chiefs.
Before the building stand two colossal images from Raivavae (Austral Islands).
The arrival of these at Papeete, some years ago, caused a wave of superstitious fear throughout Tahiti, the natives being
apprehensive that Ruahatu (the Poly nesian Neptune whose favourite abiding place is reputed to be Raivavae), would wreak vengeance for the violation of his sacred island.
In addition to its collections, the Society has accumulated an extensive library of books and publications on Polynesia, as well as copies of old prmt ings—old Government reports, local news sheets, etc., from the earliest dates.
Of the 81 foundation members, but 19 survive in the Islands; one of that num ber, Monsieur Ed. Ahnne, is now president of the Society and Curator of the Museum.
Papeete’s Museum and headquarters of La Societe D’Etudes Oceaniennes at Mamao, Tahiti. —Photo: F. Simpson.