Curators' tour of Hawai'i: a kingdom crossing oceans

Join curators Alice Christophe and Frøya Crabtree for a behind-the-scenes tour of Hawai‘i: a kingdom crossing oceans – a powerful and innovative new exhibition at the British Museum created together with members of the Hawaiian community. Through extraordinary objects, such as feathered cloaks worn by chiefs, carved kiʻi (deities), shark-toothed weapons, and bold contemporary works, this exhibition shines light on the story of Hawai‘i’s global connections and cultural resilience. Marking over 200 years since the visit of Hawaiian King Liholiho, Queen Kamāmalu and a royal delegation to the UK to seek alliance and protection from the British Crown, the exhibition reveals the deep relationship between Hawaiʻi and the Great Britain. Created collaboratively with Native Hawaiian artists, practitioners and scholars, the show centres Indigenous voices and knowledge, bringing together multiple ways of knowing and experiencing the extraordinary objects on display. With thanks to the lenders whose support has helped make this exhibition possible, including: Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum The Royal Collection / HM King Charles III The College of Arms The National Archives Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts A private collection 00:00 Introduction 01:20 A Hawaiian drum named Akeanali‘i. 03:15 A collection exploring the connection between gods and chiefs 05:18 Chief Kamehameha I 07:35 King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu travel to London 11:30 The Hawaiian coat of arms 12:55 The Anglo-Franco Proclamation of Independence of Hawai'i 13:55 Resistance Portrait of Native Hawaiian scholar and activist, Haunani-Kay Trask. 14:59 Coexistence Barkcloth by Bernice Akamine 16:18 Resilience Working with cultural practitioners from the Hawaiian community 17:01 A poem for the future of Hawai’I by Brandy Nālani McDougall 17:25 Conclusion