William Hodges

Boats of the Friendly Isles, Tonga: Original 18th C. Engraving from Captain Cook

1785

"The Fleet of Otaheite, Assembled at Oparee" is an original 18th century engraving from a drawing by William Hodges (1744-1797), who was the artist who accompanies Captain Cook on hi...

"Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands, Drinking Kava" is an engraving created by William Sharp (1749-1824), from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It was published in the atlas of "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere", the official British Admirality sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell. Captain Cook visited Tonga on his 3rd voyage, which he named The Friendly Islands because of the warm welcome he and his crew received, unlike some of the other more hostile Pacific islands. The engraving depicts Cook and his men observed a kava ceremony at the village of Mu’a on Tongatapu. King Paulaho sits in the centre foreground, his back to the spectator with a man kneeling before him. The ceremonial mat depicted behind Paulaho indicates that nobody was allowed to sit behind him. The figure in the centre holds a single cup, referring to the Tongan custom of offering the cup to the king first. Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and was first described for English readers in 1768 by Captain James Cook. The kava root has been used for centuries as a central feature of ceremonies and celebrations because it was able to bring about a calming and pleasant social atmosphere. The root was crushed and processed into coconut milk to become the focal ceremonial beverage, simply referred to as kava. This engraving is presented in a Koa wood frame and a white mat. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. There are occasional faint spots, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. This amazing Koa wood is native to Hawaii and it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has an honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian. The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa. There are three other engravings listed from the official journal of Captain Cook's 3rd voyage available that are presented in identical Koa wood frames and mats (LU117324682422, LU117324684052, LU117324684032). They would make a wonderful grouping for a display of 2, 3 or 4 prints. A discount is available for a grouping depending on the number of items included. Captain Cook is remembered as one of the greatest explorers and navigators in history. His explorations included Australia, New Zealand and islands of the South Pacific and the northwest coast of North America. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich...

"War Canoe of New Zealand, with a View of the Gable End Foreland" is an engraving created by Thomas Prattent, from a drawing by Sydney Parkinson, who was the artist on Captain James ...

"The Reception of Capt. Cook in Hapaee" is an original 18th century engraving from a drawing by John Webber (1751-1793), who was the artist who accompanied Captain Cook on his third ...

Antique print titled 'Vaartuigen van de Vrienden-Eilanden'. Print depicting various boats/vessels of the Friendly Islands. Originates from 'Reizen rondom de Waereld' by J. Cook.

Antique print titled 'De Vloot van Otahiti te Oparree verzameld'. This print depicts the fleet of Proas of Tahiti. Originates from 'Reizen rondom de Waereld' by J. Cook. Translated b...

Antique print titled 'Het Eiland Onrust'. Beautiful view of the sea near Onrust Island, also known as Pulau Onrust or Pulau Kapal (ship island), Indonesia. Artists and Engravers: ...

Antique print titled 'Gezigt op Annamooka'. This print depicts the Harbour of Annamooka, now Nomuka, part of the Ha’apai group of Tonga. Originates from 'Reizen rondom de Waereld' by...