Artefacts on display for the 'Tidal Kin' exhibition held at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney. The exhibition tells the stories of eight Pacific Islanders who visited Sydney in the 18th and 19th centuries. Photo: Pacific Manuscripts Bureau
A museum exhibition in Sydney is shedding light on the significance of eight high profile visits by Pacific leaders and missionaries to Australia during the 19th century.
The exhibition displays various items belonging to historical figures such as Tonga's King George Tupou the first, Maori chief Hongi Hika and Fiji's Ratu Cakobau.
It's all meant to highlight a period of history where some Pacific leaders were being acknowledged as intendant rulers.
Co-curator Ruth Choulai (Chew-lie) says the visits drew massive crowds and dignitaries, who were welcomed by Sydney's elite.
RNZ Pacific's Finau Fonua spoke with Ruth Choulai.
