Puhoro: Tracing of the Chisel Cuts Used in a Maori Design of Tattooing on the Thigh

Image credit: Wellcome Collection

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Wellcome Collection

London

Title

Puhoro: Tracing of the Chisel Cuts Used in a Maori Design of Tattooing on the Thigh

Date

1864

Medium

watercolour

Measurements

H 29.2 x W 22.7 cm

Accession number

533403i

Acquisition method

purchased from the artist, 1928

Work type

Watercolour

Signature/marks description

Signed "H.G. Robley"

Inscription description

Inscribed: "Exact size. Maori art in history. Rare. Tracing of the chisel cuts in "Puhoro" a design of tattooing on the thigh (left)". Lettering on verso continued: "In Dumont d'Urville's voyages is a drawing resembling and showing position on the skin. Captn. Cook 1769 noted body tattooing (and quoted page 4 "Moko" - ) Perhaps the Maori artist drawing in charcoal first. Must have had pattern well known to continue the design (as blood would obliterate part - and it would take time in small chisel tapping."

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