Description
A group of Maori in front of a tent shelter. The group includes two seated women, one breast-feeding an infant, a naked todler reclining in front and two young men standing behind, one with a rifle and cartridge case. A tewhatewha lies in front on top of a pile of cloaks. A third woman kneels to the right, her back to the artist and her face hidden. According to Oliver's accompanying text, the scene is at Kororareka (modern Russell) in 1851, during the feast (hakari) put on by Tamati Waka Nene. 'The man on the right with the musket is Neddy, who fought against us under Heki (Hone Heke) at Ruapekapeka. The girl next to him is Maria ... the woman with the baby is said to be the daughter of the Chevalier Dillon; and on the left is Jane, who was famous for her personal attractions ...The old lady kneeling on the right is "Na Nuia" Pomare's wife, who placed herself in that becoming attitude to avoid having her portrait taken.'
'Jane, who was famous for her personal attractions' may be Jane Gray, daughter of Alexander Gray and Kotero Hinerangi.
The Library has an original watercolour version of this lithograph at C-054-006.
The Library has an uncoloured version of the tinted lithograph at C-054-006.
Image Licence
All Rights Reserved
Image Credit
Alexander Turnbull Library
Location
Opua Wharf, Opua, Northland, New Zealand
Country
New Zealand
Medium
Print
Tags
Category
People & Society
TWW Comment
The Pa was located on a prominent point over the inlet 1 km southeast of Opua wharf. (https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/sap261_2._b_of_islands.pdf)
