Australian Museum Acquires Traditional Hawaiian Surfboards by Master Craftsman

The Australian Museum has added four Papa he'e nalu surfboards to its collection, created by Hawaiian master craftsman Tom Pohaku Stone. These boards were commissioned by the museum's Pasifika team and are handmade from Redwood and Ulu wood. The acquisition highlights surfing as a cultural practice in Hawaii with spiritual significance, distinct from its Western perception as a sport. The surfboards join approximately 160 other Hawaiian artifacts in the museum's holdings, including replicas of ceremonial items and tools. This addition aims to showcase traditional Pacific Island heritage and its contemporary relevance.