Welcome to Cook's Pacific Encounters: Cook-Forster Collection online

Breadfruit splitter made of a dark brown hardwood, shaped similar to an axe. The blade and shaft are made from one piece.

This website explores the collection of more than 300 Pacific artefacts held by the Georg-August University of Göttingen in Germany. Collected during the three Pacific voyages taken by James Cook between 1768 and 1780, these 200-year-old artefacts provide a rare insight into the Pacific island cultures James Cook encountered.

Some of the beautifully preserved collection objects are on display in Göttingen, however most of the objects are in storage. This online gallery of the Cook-Forster collection provides international access to this unique resource.