Te Ata o Tū The Shadow of Tumatauenga

* A major book addressing a matter fundamental to the development of Aotearoa New Zealand, then and now * Lively, accessible texts about 330 fascinating and important objects * A unique way to understand our history * Guest essays by eminent Maori scholars * A perfect gift * Accessible price * Richly illustrated

Accessible, important guide to the taonga relating to the New Zealand Wars held by The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.The New Zealand Wars of 1845-72 were a series of bitter and bloody conflicts between Maori and Pakeha that extended from Wairau to the Bay of Islands, and from Taranaki to the East Cape. They are as important to New Zealand as the civil wars were to England and to the United States. Land and sovereignty were at their heart. This richly illustrated book, developed in partnership with iwi, delves into Te Papa's Matauranga Maori, History and Art collections to explore taonga and artefacts intimately connected with the key events and players associated with the New Zealand Wars, sparking conversation and debate and shedding new light on our troubled colonial past. Contributing essays from Basil Keane, Arini Loader, Danny Keenan, Jade Kake, Mike Ross, Paul Meredith, Monty Soutar, Puawai Cairns and Ria Hall.