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, features captivating profiles of Maori chiefs, women, and children. The artwork highlights the intricate moko (tattoo) patterns, denoting rank and heritage, and the traditional hairstyles and clothing distinctive to the region.
Depicted are a chief and his wife from Hiva Oa, their dignified expressions conveying the authority and pride of their status. Below, a Maori woman and man from Tewaaiti reflect the cultural heritage of the South Pacific. The detail captures the distinct texture of their cloaks and ornaments, emphasizing the artisan craftsmanship integral to their culture.
Drawn by Louis Auguste de Sainson during the Astrolabe expedition and lithographed by Brodtmann, this piece serves as both an artistic and ethnographic record. It brings to life the people encountered by Dumont d'Urville on his voyage around the world.
Condition Report: Clean image with well-preserved contrast and minimal wear. Margins show minor foxing, with light handling marks. Overall in very good condition.
Keywords: Maori portraits, Maori chiefs, moko tattoos, Pacific ethnography, Astrolabe expedition, Louis Auguste de Sainson, Brodtmann lithographs, indigenous heritage, Polynesian culture, Dumont d’Urville voyage, traditional attire, 19th-century ethnographic art, New Zealand history.
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