National Services Te Paerangi . FAQs . Finding Taonga Tuturu

What do I do if someone brings in to the museum a Māori object that they have found?

Q: What do I do if someone brings in to the museum a Māori object that they have found?

Newly found Māori objects, or taonga tūturu, are in the first instance Crown owned to allow for claims of ownership. The find and objects have to be notified to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Experienced Museum staff should fill out a “Notification of Found Tonga Tūturu” form and submit with photographs or sketches of the taonga tūturu, to the Ministry. Suitably qualified archaeologists, Department of Conservation or New Zealand Historic Places Trust staff can also complete the forms if no one at the museum is qualified to do so.

Q: Where do I get a ‘z’ number?

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage assigns the taonga tūturu a registration number once it has received the notification form. The notifying museum is then asked to write the number on the taonga tūturu.

Q: How do I put a ‘z’ number on the object?

It is very important that the number is applied in a way which is long-lasting, yet will not damage the object. Depending on the type of objects, there are various techniques you can use to mark objects. Some guidelines for taonga* are provided below:

The z number would usually be put on by museum staff.
The method is usually to apply a layer of clear lacquer in an inconspicuous place; allow that to dry, then write the number on in ink; allow that to dry, then apply another layer of lacquer over the top; allow that to dry.
If the surface is too rough or porous then Japanese tissue may be used. Tear a small piece to desired shape (frayed edges needed); write number on in pencil; paint with special paste and apply to object.
The usual method for cloaks is to sew a cotton tag/label on the rear.

*The lacquer method usually works for most taonga made from wood and stone etc, and sometimes for textiles too with a broad leaf to write on. The paper method works for surfaces such as finely plaited textiles (rough surface), porous surfaces such as pumice, rough stone surfaces, fragile & rough wooden surfaces such as those sometimes found on wooden taonga recovered from waterlogged ground.

Always seek guidance from a conservator or a museum professional, or contact us if you need further guidance.

Resource on marking objects.