Displaying Cultural Sensitivities

In January 2014 I became aware that the vast and historical Oceanic Collection held by the British Museum was now accessible online to view as digital photographs in an electronic database.  Quite a feat I must admit, by the museum staff. According to the British Museum website, up to 2000 images were uploaded each week as part of their 35 year on-going effort to document and digitise all cultural artefacts, to support curatorial and research work.   As a woman who identifies as being a Pacific Islander and an artist, my initial reaction to this knowledge was one of apprehension.