"Book springs from 'Pacific Voices', a longterm exhibit that opened at the Burke Museum in late 1997"--Acknowledgments.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [163]-167) and index.

Introduction : the objects of culture / Miriam Kahn -- 1. Hawaiian Pahu : voice of the gods / 'Iwalani Christian -- 2. Hawaiian Pahu : foundation of the Hula / Moodette Ka'Apana -- 3. Samoan Tanoa : a visible symbol of community / Veronica Leasiolagi Barber and Sapina Pele -- 4. Maori Korowai : mantle of status / Aotaumarewa Lorraine Elkington Morehouse -- 5. Micronesian canoe : reminder of a way of life / Rokuro Mesiab and David Hawelmai -- 6. Vietnamese incense burner : vehicle for carrying prayers / Rose Dang and Thuy Vu -- 7. Lao Khaen : instrument of spiritual nourishment / Khampha Chantharangsy and Kham Oui Sikhanthat -- 8. Phillipe Santo Nino : icon of the holy child / Jack Buzzard and Marcela Antonia Buzzard -- 9. Korean gourd cups : symbol of a perfect union / Sonia Kim -- 10. Japanese Obutsudan : altar to remember loved ones / Reverend Dean Koyama -- 11. Japanese Taiko : drum for learning about culture / Seattle Matsuri Taiko -- 12. Chinese New Year foods : meals that bring families together / Maxine Chan, Ron Chew, Donnie Chin, Helen Kay and Laura Wong-Whitebear -- 13. Coast salish fish hook : reminder of the importance of salmon / Leonard Forsman -- 14. Coast salish voyaging canoe : carrier of the culture / Peg Deam -- 15. Coast salish river canoe : a place to learn patience / Vi Hilbert -- 16. Northwest coast wolf headdress : representation of who we are / George David -- 17. Inupiaq Umiaq : symbol of a way of life / Larry Ulaaq Ahvakana -- Conclusion : voices within our community / Erin Younger.