Detailed Portraits of Maori Life and Tattoo Art in New Zealand, Published c.1836
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1836
Sheet size
34.2 × 25.2 cm (13.5 × 9.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14025-20, -21
Condition
Condition Report: Light toning and minor foxing visible in the margins, consistent with the age of the lithographs. The image areas are clean and sharp, retaining excellent contrast and detail. Slight edge wear, but overall in very good condition.
About this sheet
This compiled lithographic image provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and cultural artistry of the Maori people of New Zealand during Dumont d’Urville’s Astrolabe expedition. The two panels showcase the diversity of Maori individuals, from women draped in traditional cloaks to men adorned with intricate facial and body tattoos (moko).
The left panel features portraits of Maori women and men, emphasizing their unique hairstyles, attire, and dignified expressions. The bottom portraits highlight traditional Maori garments and the distinctiveness of male facial tattoos, which were a mark of identity and status.
The right panel delves deeper into the art of moko, illustrating a close-up of leg tattoo designs alongside portraits of men with intricate facial tattoos. These visual details reflect the cultural significance of tattoos as an integral part of Maori heritage and identity. This collection, drawn by Louis Auguste de Sainson and reproduced in Brodtmann’s Entdeckungs, Reise der Franzosischen Corvette Astrolabe, is a vital ethnographic record of Maori traditions during the 19th century.
Condition Report: The lithographs are in very good condition, with light toning and faint foxing in the margins. Image areas are sharp and well-preserved, showcasing excellent detail and contrast. Minor edge wear consistent with age is present but does not detract from the overall appearance.
Keywords: Maori portraits, New Zealand, Maori tattoo art, moko designs, Dumont d’Urville, Astrolabe expedition, Louis Auguste de Sainson, Brodtmann lithographs, 19th-century ethnography, Maori clothing, traditional tattoos, indigenous art, New Zealand history, Maori cultural heritage.
