SOLOMON Islands National Museum (SINM) staffers have learned a lot from the ‘Prehistory of the Solomon Islands’, a15-year Archaeology Research Project conducted in parts of Malaita, Central Islands and Guadalcanal Province.
This archaeological collaboration between the Solomon Islands National Museum (SINM) and Germany Archaeology Institute (GAI), which started in 2010, is aimed at discovering human settlement and age-old tools in Solomon Islands.
SINM Deputy Director Lawrence Kiko, in his speech at the Prehistory of the Solomon Islands Exhibition launch at the SINM in West Honiara on Thursday, highlighted that the accomplishment from the archaeological collaboration were threefold.
“…the 15 years of our collaboration had brought three main achievements. Firstly, it provided training to our newly graduated local archaeologist as part of capacity building.
“Secondly, the research result provided new information that fill the historical gaps in the whole history of Solomon Islands.
“Thirdly, the literature will be added to a pool of research materials.”
Kiko acknowledged Researcher and Archaeologist Dr Johannes Moser of Germany Archaeology Institute for his cooperation during the long years of research in Malaita, Central Islands and Guadalcanal Provinces.
“My special thanks go to Dr Johannes, our cooperation partner who is always optimistic for a new finding each year,” Mr Kiko added.
Mr Kiko also thanked past Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Germany to Solomon Islands, the present ambassador as well as the Honorary Consul of Germany in Honiara, Jessica Bradford for their unwavering support through the years.
Mr Kiko extended his thanks to all government ministerial partners and stakeholders for their contribution in one way or the other.
He particularly conveyed his gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism staff, including museum staff, for their involvement in the project.
Mr Kiko also thanked individual members of a small organizing committee who have tirelessly prepared the setting, planning, organizing, printing and mounting of the exhibition.
- By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
