2009 International symposium of Austronesian Studies

2009 International symposium of Austronesian Studies

In October, Sean Mallon (Senior Curator of Pacific Cultures) was invited to present a paper at the 2009 International Symposium of Austronesian Studies, held at the Museum of Prehistory, in Taitung, Taiwan. His paper – 'Too much history? Exhibiting the big stories of the Pacific past.' – discussed approaches to exhibiting the history of early exploration and settlement of Oceania in museums. Sean drew on his recent experiences working on Voyagers: exploring the Pacific (2002) and Tangata o le Moana: the story of Pacific People in New Zealand (2007).

He had the opportunity to meet and listen to leading scholars in the archaeological, genetics, and linguistics fields of Pacific prehistory. The Museum of Prehistory in Taitung was a great venue with some excellent exhibition displays. The local archaeological projects, the hospitality of the museum staff, and the cuisine of the local indigenous people were highlights of a short but informative symposium.