Chief launches book on artifacts

By ISAAC NICHOLAS
GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare has launched a book titled Living spirits with fixed abodes, a documentation of art, artifacts, traditional tools and spirit mask at the National Museum and Art Gallery.
“It is a treasure that every citizen of this country should have in their homes.
“They are pieces of our past that tell our different stories going back many generations,” he said.
The book, authored and edited by Dr Barry Craig is a snapshot of what is contained in the national museum.
The book was funded by France who was represented by a delegation from New Caledonia led by President of the Congress Roch Wamytan and Ambassador Alain Waquet.
Members of the diplomatic corps also turned up for the launching.
“Often we look at objects in a museum but not enough information is around to satisfy our curiosity.
“This book covers many of the pieces and also acknowledges the original collectors.
“My association with the National Museum and Art Gallery goes back to the early 1970s when I was more closely involved with its establishment.
“It is a source of great pride for me and I would like to see it developed as a kind of mausoleum. 
“This is not always been the case.”
Sir Michael said the educational role in nation building must be strengthened with strong leadership and vision to develop educational programmes that would help to increase an awareness and appreciation of our cultural and natural heritage.
“Investing in the educational aspects of the museum is the best way to demonstrate the public value of the work and role of a museum.
“After all it is once a cultural and scientific institution and it must invest in development of quality staff that carry out its goals and objectives.”
Sir Michael said he had followed the struggles of the national museum in more recent times.
“Many think that a prime minister can easily intervene in different government departments but for the good of all government bodies, this is not so.”
He said most departments including the national museum were guided by an act of parliament.
Sir Michael said the board of trustees existed as required under the Act and must engage with the administration of the museum.
“It is vital to be genuinely interested in the future of the museum and bring back visitors, local and international, so we can take pride in displays that we have as well as encourage the arts.”