By James Cook
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'De Poij- of Orlietten-Vogel'. Old bird print depicting a bird species discovered by Georg Forster. Originates from 'Reizen Rondom de Waereld door James Cook (..)'.
'Poij', 'toui', poë', tui', 'toko': all these exotic-sounding names designate the green collarbird, a New Zealand member of the honeybird family (Meliphagidae). At the end of the eighteenth century, the English explorer James Cook heard the first of these from the mouth of some Maori, the original inhabitants of the island. Yet the word is not of New Zealand, but of Tahitian origin. 'Poij' means 'earring', because of the striking white throat tufts that ruffed birds...
Category
19th Century Antique James Cook Prints