In January the project sent conservation intern Rachel Howie to the Musée du quai Branly, in preparation for conserving a Kanak mask, here is her report:

‘Kanak, l’art est une parole’ at the Musee du Quai Branly. Photo R Howie.

A few weeks ago I had the fantastic opportunity, on behalf of the Pacific Presences research project, to visit Paris in order to see the temporary exhibition at the Musee du Quai Branly titled ‘Kanak, l’art est une parole’. It is the largest exhibition held on Kanak culture in Europe, including many spectacular objects, for example jade ceremonial axes, pole sculptures and a large number of statuettes and ornaments. The objects that I was particularly interested in were the 12 dancing masks on display, as my visit was in preparation for the work I will be undertaking on two Kanak masks from New Caledonia at MAA. In addition, I was able to discuss with the lead conservator on the project, Stéphanie Elarbi, some of the treatments that were needed to ensure the stability of the masks before they went on display in the exhibition.

Two Kanak masks at MAA undergoing conservation. Photo R Howie.