What is the value of the Australian Museum's collections?
'Ahu'ula (feathered cape)
Feathers, fibre
Kealakekua Bay, Hawai'i
Collected 1778, acquired 1894
Registration number H104
Presented by King Kalani'opu'u of Hawai'i to Captain James Cook of the British Navy on Cook's return to the island in 1778. The cape is of great cultural wealth and power, restricted to high ranking persons, and was part of a large gift given between these two men of status. After Cook's death the cloak became of sentimental value to Cook's wife Elizabeth. It was kept within the family for several generations until it was purchased by the NSW Government for the Australian Museum as an item of immense historical and cultural value for the nation.
The Australian Museum collections are a valuable information resource for the whole community. Scientists, researchers, academics, students, indigenous communities and individuals from Australia and other countries use this resource to enhance their knowledge. Much of the information gained by accessing this resource is published in scientific papers. The information is then available to a wide audience.
Indigenous communities use the cultural objects in the collections to maintain, develop and share their cultural identity and knowledge. The continued use of these cultural objects provides vital links with important aspects of their culture
The Australian Museum collections have been accumulated over the last 175 years on the basis of their scientific and cultural value. The value of the collections lies in their contribution to scientific understanding, cultural identity, environmental management and conservation, encouraging sustainable development, education, interpretation, public enjoyment and inspiration. As such, they are largely irreplaceable - and priceless.
Copyright © Australian Museum 2004