Dynamics of Participatory Conservation: The Kamehameha I Sculpture Project

The conservation of the King Kamehameha I sculpture in North Kohala, Hawai'i demonstrates a dynamic of public involvement in conservation. It shows how information gained from material analysis and archival research can merge with cultural knowledge to inform conservation decisions. New knowledge gained during treatment alters what is done to the object, in a continuous process of discussion, feedback, and intervention. Such participatory engagement has potential to broaden conservation research while opening up relationships between communities and heritage objects. It enables people to take greater control over elements of their environment in the process of conserving objects and cultural sites.