Lot 16609: Angas - E Rua, E Pari, and E Hoki, Women of Ngatitoa Tribe, Cook's Straits

This folio, originally hand-colored lithograph is from George French Angas's The New Zealanders Illustrated. The work was published in London by Thomas McLean in 1847. This is the first edition of a fascination work on the Maoris.

Angas was a skilled ethonographic illustrator. He joined several of Sir George Grey's expeditions beginning in 1843. There he made watercolor sketches of the scenery, aborigines, and natural history of South Australia. Once reaching New Zealand, Angas travelled over 800 mile by foot in wild regions. His published work on these subjects is considered a cornerstone of color-plate travel literature. Angas noted in the preface that "by seeking out nearly every tribe of natives, and living amongst them for some time... I have succeeded in obtaining portraits of the most important Chiefs", with the aim of recording their habits, costumes and works of art "so rapidly disappearing before the progress of Christianity and Civilization".

~ 14" by 21"

Originally Hand-colored Lithograph

1847

Overall Very Good. There is some very light foxing which is heavier near the edges. There may be a few minor imperfections or light fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

The New Zealanders Illustrated