Ceremonial Grace: The Gift-Bearing Attire of a Tahitian Woman in 1799

An antique engraving depicting a dance scene titled "An Exact Representation of a Dance in Otaheite," Otaheite being an archaic name for Tahiti in French Polynesia. This engraving would have been created as a part of a series to document the culture and life of the Tahitian people, likely observed by European explorers during one of the many voyages to the South Pacific in the 18th century. In the foreground, there are central figures engaged in a dance, wearing traditional Polynesian attire, which includes wraps around their waists and adornments that seem to represent status or a part of the dance costume. They are holding what appear to be fans, which may be part of the traditional dance. The dancers' poses suggest movement and a performance aspect to the scene. Behind the dancers, we can see a group of musicians providing the accompaniment, playing drums, which indicates the importance of music and rhythm in the dance. To the right, there is an audience of seated individuals, likely members of the community, watching the performance. The background of the scene includes thatched huts and a lush landscape with palm trees, depicting a typical village setting in Tahiti. The checkerboard pattern on the ground where the dance takes place is notable, as it adds a sense of structure to the scene. This image would have been intended for a European audience unfamiliar with Tahitian culture and would have served as a visual record of the encounters between European explorers and the peoples of the Pacific Islands. The engraving you've uploaded, titled "An Exact Representation of a Dance in Otaheite," is likely from a work documenting the voyages of Captain James Cook, given the style and subject matter. Captain Cook made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean during the 18th century, and his encounters with the peoples of the Pacific, including those of Tahiti (Otaheite), were extensively recorded and published. The engravings from Cook's voyages were made by artists who accompanied him, such as John Webber on his third voyage, or were based on sketches made by other crew members. These images were then published in the official accounts of the voyages. The most notable of these accounts is "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean" undertaken during Cook's third voyage from 1776 to 1780, which was published in the years following his death in 1779. Another possible source for this engraving could be from the accounts of Joseph Banks. Banks was a naturalist who joined Cook on his first voyage (1768-1771) aboard the HMS Endeavour and was responsible for extensive collections and descriptions of Pacific cultures. His collections and later works also included illustrations and engravings of the scenes and peoples encountered. Given that the engraving is labeled as "London Published as the Act directs by Alexr. Hogg at the Kings Arms...

Antique print titled 'Een Meisjen van Otahiti danssende'. Antique print depiciting a female native of Tahiti, dancing. Originates from 'Reizen Rondom de Waereld door James Cook (..)'...

This engraving, published in London by Alex Hogg at the Kings Arms, No.16 Paternoster Row, features two side-by-side portraits with the labels "Portrait of ...

Title: "Tee's Eternal Rest: The Embalmed Chief of Otaheite" Description: This engraving, after a drawing by John Webber, depicts the preserved body of Tee, a chief from Otaheite (Tahiti), following his death. The artwork originates from an account of Captain James Cook's third voyage and showcases the practice of preserving the dead in Tahitian culture. The scene takes place in Matavai Bay, a significant location during the era of exploration, already famed through earlier visits and the engravings of Sydney...

18th century framed fashion engraving of a woman dressed for entertaining or to be entertained, with a plume feather hat, a fancy bustle with gree...

Museum Quality Photographic Lithograph Artwork print titled "A Samoan Belle" depicting a beautiful Victorian-era Samoan woman in traditional dress with her village in the background....

'Queen of Rewa' Portrait of seated Fijian woman, draped from the waist in tapa cloth, holding a fan, wearing jewelry and an elaborate headdress. From Narrative of the United States...

"A Dance in Otaheite" (Tahiti) 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 is a plate 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. Two women and two men wearing ceremonial costumes, performing a dance outdoors standing on a mat. Three men are playing the drums in the background, in front of a thatched roof building. An audience of men are sitting on both sides of the stage. By the time Webber arrived in Tahiti, 'south sea' imagery had become familiar. Webber gave concentrated attention to dance. He had the opportunity to distinguish the Tahitian dance from the more formalized dancing of Tonga. Whereas they seem to have called to mind the more formal dances of antiquity, the Tahitian dancing aroused memories of peasant and folk dancing. This engraving is professionally framed in Koa wood. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. Not only is this amazing wood native to Hawaii, but 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. The print is in excellent condition. 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 double mats (LU117324682432, LU117324684052, LU117324684062). 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. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich...