Ceremonial Rites: A Human Sacrifice in Otaheite (Tahiti), 1801

An original historical engraving from G. Alexander Cooke's "Geography," published in 1817. The engraving is titled "View of a Tuppapon or Shed under which the Bodies of the Chiefs 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...

The engraving depicts a harrowing and chaotic scene from an 18th-century exploration, specifically the tragic event involving Commander Fleuriot de Langle and his men. The scene is s...

De Natsche – Ceremony for the King's Son, Tonga c.1795 This antique print depicts a grand ceremony held in honour of the son of the King of Tonga, known as the Natsche, in the villa...

"A Representation of the Surrender of the Island of Otaheite to Capt.n Wallis, by the Supposed Queen of Oberea" is an original 18th century engraving created by Sparrow, from a drawi...

Funeral Honours and Burial of the Peruvian leaders is a fine etching, hand-watercolored, realized by the engraver Gianfrancesco Pivati. This original print, representing the funera...

Image dimensions: 25.5 x 18 cm. Funeral Ceremonies among the Mexicans and Venezuelans is a fine etching, hand-watercolored, realized by the engraver Gianfrancesco Pivati. This orig...

"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...