Image Gallery: Enormous Cultural Artefacts: How they tour the world

Two large carved Malagan posts from New Ireland, PNG featured in a an international exhibition tour of the USA, France and Germany.

In 2006, the Australian Museum sent valuable artefacts from its Anthropology Collection on an international exhibition tour to three venues. This block buster exhibition entitled “New Ireland: Art of the South Pacific” brought together the most significant international collections from New Ireland, PNG and attracted large audiences. One major challenge for Kate Jones from the Conservation department at the Australian Museum, was how to pack the enormous, yet fragile carved Malagan posts. Firstly, the two Malagan posts were measured and a museum grade travel crate was ordered. Specialised measuring equipment was used to guide the carving of internal foam supports that were adhered to the inside of the travel crate. 

Click on the images below to follow the artefacts on every step of their long journey.