Museum Exhibit of Marshallese Artifacts Planned

Representatives from the Marshallese community in the Seattle area joined together on April 10 with the Republic of the Marshall Islands' Embassy on a project to facilitate a temporary museum exhibit of Marshallese artifacts. If all goes well, the temporary project will go on display in approximately 6 months, reports Holly Barker, Senior Advisor for Political and Economic Affairs at the RMI Embassy.

Joan Edberg of Quesnell, B.C., Canada recently donated over 60 Marshallese artifacts to the Burke Museum at the University of Washington. Ms. Edberg’s family collected the artifacts when they were stationed on Kwajalein in the late 1940’s.

Included in the collection are an alele, tortoise shell fans, mats, head pieces made from hibiscus and shells, elaborate dancing skirts and neck pieces, and other items.

The Marshallese from the Seattle area went to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture on Monday both to view the items, but also to provide background information about the artifacts, such as the materials they are made from and their function. Tamar Jordan, Emma Joran, Noland and Queen Edwards, and Nixon and Mary Anjolok all gave input to Burke Museum ethnologist, Rebecca Andrews. The Ethnology Division of the Burke Museum specializes in collections from the Pacific Rim.

Ms. Tamar Jordan worked at the Alele Museum in Majuro for more than twenty years and was particularly helpful in providing information about the recently acquired collection. Ms. Jordan commented several times about the impeccable condition of the artifacts and wished to thank Ms. Edberg for being so respectful of the Marshallese items, and for donating them to a museum where the public can appreciate them and learn more about the Marshall Islands.

Marshall Islands' Ambassador Banny deBrum of the Washington, D.C. Embassy, echoed Ms. Jordan’s appreciation to the donor, and also wishes to thank the Marshallese in the Seattle area for their interest and support of this project, and the Burke Museum for its handling and protection of the artifacts.

Amber Rinehart, a UW student currently taking a class with Dr. Barker, is working with the Marshallese community in the Seattle area during every phase of this project to incorporate the voices and desires of the community. A community celebration will be planned when the temporary exhibit opens.

For more information contact:
Holly Barker hbarker@rmiembassyus.org