Journal Articles & Research Papers
Hongi Hika: A Portrait
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Completed - Published June 2019
An academic article, focusing on the comparison of three (3) carved wooden busts, purported to be of Hongi Hika, as well as a background to Hongi's 1820 journey to England and Australia.
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It is recorded that in August 1814, Hongi carved a wooden bust (self-portrait) whilst visiting Port Jackson (Sydney, Australia). There are three (3) carved wooden busts of Hongi Hika; these are held by: the Auckland Museum, New Zealand; Chau Chuk Wing Museum - University of Sydney, Australia; and the Brighton Museum - Brighton, England.
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The question is posed - which of the three busts is the authentic 1814 'selfie' of Hongi?
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Published in the Journal of Museum Ethnography No. 32, 2019, pp. 209-224.
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Hongi's Kakahu: Rangatira to Royalty
A PhD-style thesis
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Investigatory Viewing completed - January 2019
Comprehensive Examination completed - October 2019
Researching and writing process has begun - November 2019
Additional research trip conducted in April 2022
Envisaged publication date December 2023
Now a PhD-style thesis, this is a detailed examination of Hongi Hika's kakahu (woven flax cloak) at the British Museum, has been undertaken, resulting in two outcomes:
1. A research paper/journal article focusing on a) the meeting between Hongi Hika, Waikato and King George IV, b) the practice of 'tuku' or reciprocal gifting, and c) a detailed description of the kakahu's whakapapa; including the construction materials and methods of weaving used. This research paper/journal article will be published in both English and Te Reo Maori, and
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2. A re-creation of this significant taonga (cultural treasure) will be made, enabling this stunning cloak to be brought home to Aotearoa, to be loved and appreciated by all New Zealanders.
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To date, an initial viewing has been undertaken by Hongi's Hikoi Director - Brent Kerehona in early January 2019, followed by a preliminary examination in October 2019, by Brent, korowai-weaver Rae Midwood, research-assistant Louise Broadman, and Hongi's Hikoi Co-Director - Delise Kerehona.
There is a plan for a more comprehensive examination to be completed by Tohunga Raranga (Master Weaver) Te Hemo Ata Henare and Dr Donna Campbell in January 2020 (which has been postponed due to Covid-19 international travel restrictions).
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The research and writing of the research paper/journal article by Brent Kerehona has begun and was initially expected to be completed by December 2020, and published by June 2021; however due to Covid international travel restrictions, this has now been changed to April, and June 2022 respectively.
The physical weaving of the re-creation of Hongi's kakahu, by Rae Midwood, began in March 2021.
Left: Brent Kerehona uncovers Hongi's Kakahu (which he personally gifted to King George IV, at Carlton House on November 13 1820) at the off-location storage site in January 2019. Acknowledgement goes to curator, James Hamill, for his assistance and the photo is courtesy of Stuart Lloyd (c) 2019.
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Right: Examining Hongi's kakahu, assisted by Louise Broadman (research assistant), Rae Midwood (raranga korowai/korowai weaver) and Delise Kerehona (Co-Director) at the British Museum, Bloomsbury, London, in October 2019. Acknowledgement goes to curator, Jill Hasell, for her assistance and the photo is courtesy of James (c) 2019.
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Background image:
Photographer: Brent Kerehona (2019-20)
Design Illustrator: Tess Begg (2020).