Hosted by broadcaster Wallace Chapman, the format is simple – a guest is invited to choose an object playlist – selecting six objects that are important to them. The interview will plot a course around the conversation their selection catalyses.

Chapman will interview a range of guests over the series providing insights into how the world can be seen and understood through material culture. Our first guest is Sean Mallon, Senior curator Pacific Cultures at Te Papa Tongarewa. Mallon is co-author of Tatau: A History of Sāmoan Tattooing, which just won the award for best Illustrated Non-Fiction in the 2019 Ockham book awards.

Booking is $15 (plus service fees). Hospitality will be provided by our incredible partners Amano, Black Estate and Liberty Brewing and is included in the ticket price.

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Sean Mallon is Senior Curator Pacific Cultures at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. He joined the staff in 1992 and has worked in various roles ever since. He is of Sāmoan and Irish descent and was raised in Porirua. His exhibitions include Paperskin: the art of tapa cloth (with Maud Page) (2009); Tangata o le Moana (2007) (with Kolokesa U. Māhina-Tuai). His most recent book is TATAU: a history of Samoan tattooing (2019) co-authored with Sebastien Galliot.

Image: Tunuma (container for tattooing implements), 1996, Su'a Sulu'ape Alaiva'a Petelo. Te Papa (FE010596).