The British Museum holds the largest Maori collections outside New Zealand, including some items of major artistic and cultural significance. This important book will contain a substantial introduction including a history of the study of Maori material culture in Britain and New Zealand and a history of the British Museum collection and how it was acquired. This is followed by a detailed catalogue describing over 2,300 items - including woodcarvings, model canoes and paddles, domestic equipment, cloaks, baskets and bags, jewellery, musical instruments, ceremonial objects, fishing and hunting equipment, tools, weapons, and modern ceramics - an appendix listing collectors, donors and vendors, a glossary, and about 340 photographs illustrating approximately 500 objects.

Written by specialists from both Britain and New Zealand, this book is the definitive publication on this remarkable collection.