“Through this project I realised that there exists this online portal digitalpasifik.org, one that allows Pacific Islanders to explore digital versions of their cultural heritage, housed in collections overseas. For this, you would need completely different vocabulary for someone to find your collection. So perhaps, it is more important to know where exactly something comes from.” (team member, Übersee-Museum Bremen).
“As a museum, we are still learning. And unlearning. But one thing we do know: As documentors of knowledge, we need to ask questions, not assume. Listen, not lead.” (team member Übersee-Museum Bremen)
As the popular saying goes, nothing worth having comes easy. Especially not museum collections woven together with respect, trust and mutual collaboration. But that’s what makes it all that more priceless, and worth preserving.