The Melbourne Gallery was filled with beautiful harmonies this morning as a group of Maori performers sang and danced to farewell Phar Lap's skeleton, which will return to New Zealand next week.
Maori performance group Te Waka Raukura sing and dance in front of the Phar Lap Reunion display.
Image: Ben Healley
Source: Museum Victoria
Performers from Te Waka Raukura.
Image: Ben Healley
Source: Museum Victoria
A performer from Te Waka Raukura.
Image: Ben Healley
Source: Museum Victoria
On loan from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the skeleton has been on display next to Phar Lap's hide since September 2010 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup.
Today's performers, Te Waka Raukura, provided a wonderful send-off for the skeleton. It has been an honour for us to have the skeleton and send thanks to all who made this reunion possible. The Phar Lap Reunion display can be seen until Sunday 30 January.
Media and museum visitors gathered to enjoy the music and dancing.
Image: Ben Healley
Source: Museum Victoria
Links:
MV News: Phar Lap reunion
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
MV Blog: The crates have arrived!