Slands To Australia

The display itself served to make two points about Pacific arts and crafts that in the traditional workmanship there is so much to admire and that also the work of modern artisans and artists shows clearly that a spirit of dynamism is emerging in their work. It might be unfair to single out particular items but mention must be made of the magnificent tapa work from Fiji and Tonga which was on show, of the fine Sa moan pandanus matwork, and of the pipes of Pan from the Solomon Islands.

The contributions from the Cook Islands served to indicate the dynamic effect upon the craftwork, particularly of indigenous costumes, which has been generated by the revival of the indigenous culture. A tribute must also be paid to a strikingly-imaginative presentation of a photographic record of Western Samoa made by Martin Jeffrey.

The display had so much intrinsic merit that I feel that I should urge the case for the establishment, sometime, of a travell ing exhibition devoted to the arts and crafts of the South Pacific. But please, please! spare the public the horror of gaz ing upon plastic, headless mannikins in gilded bronze upon which to drape costumes, necklaces, bracelets and head dresses.

The Hon. Ve'ehala with his nose flute and the organiser. Victor Carell Photos:Australian Information Service.