Traditions and Faces of the Pacific: Boxing in Ha'apai and a Man of Mangea, 1785

John Webber created the engraving titled "A Boxing Match, in Hapaee, one of the Friendly Islands." Webber was indeed an artist who accompanied Captain James Cook on his third voyage ...

The engraving features two individual portraits side by side, labeled as inhabitants of the island of Tanna, which is part of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. On the left is "A MAN of the Island of TANNA." He is depicted with a serious, almost stern expression, looking slightly to the side. His facial features are marked by a prominent beard and mustache, and his hair appears long and wavy. This detailed portrayal suggests an effort to capture the unique physical characteristics and possibly the demeanor of the man. On the right is "A WOMAN of the Island of TANNA." She is shown in a three-quarter view with a gentle expression, looking directly at the viewer. Her hair is styled in tight curls, she wears large hoop earrings, and her clothing drapes softly over her shoulders, indicating a level of adornment and style. The portraits likely aimed to depict the natural appearance and attire of the people from Tanna as accurately as possible for European audiences of the time. These works often sought to provide a detailed record of the diverse cultures encountered during exploration voyages. The style of the engraving and the reference to Captain Cook's voyages suggest that it comes from the late 18th century, likely in the period following Cook's final voyage, which ended in 1779. The engravings of Pacific peoples associated with Cook's voyages were often published in the various accounts that proliferated after his travels, as there was a keen interest in the newly contacted peoples of the Pacific. The text on the engraving says it was "Accurately Engraved for Anderson's Large Folio Edition of the Whole of Capt'n. Cook's Voyages &c. Complete." This indicates that the engraving was made for a specific publication by Anderson, compiling Captain Cook's voyages. George William Anderson is known for his compilation titled "A New, Authentic, and Complete Collection of Voyages Round the World," which was published initially in the 1780s. This collection often included large folio engravings such as this one. Given this information, we can reasonably estimate that this engraving would have been published sometime in the 1780s. However, without specific publication data, it is not possible to provide an exact year. Such details would typically be found in a library catalog...

Antique print titled 'Een Man van Mangeea'. Antique print depicting a man of Mangaia, Cook Islands. Originates from 'Reizen Rondom de Waereld door James Cook (..)'. Artists and E...

Title: Maori Chiefs and Families from Hiva Oa and Tewaaiti Description: This lithograph, part of the early 19th-century collection documenting indigenous peoples of the Pacific, f...

A Man of Mangea is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook. John Webber (1752-1793) was the official a...

"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...

Wonderful ethnographical print. A copper-plate engraving after Lesieur Published by Sherwood, Neely & Jones. Dated 1809 Unframed.  

Guerrier de Tonga Tabou is a hand colored lithograph realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844. Good condition. The artwork belongs to the Suite Moeurs, usages et costumes de tous les peu...