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N.Z. Tawhiao, The Maori King Matutaera, POTATAU II.

N.Z. Tawhiao, The Maori King Matutaera, POTATAU II.

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by Garran, Andrew

Superb antique print of The Maori King, Tawhiao (with signature).

Waikato leader Tawhiao, Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero. Son of the first Maori King, Waikato leader Potatau Te Whereowhero and Whakaawi, Potatau's senior wife. Born at Orongokoekoea on the upper Mokau River towards the end of the musket wars between Nga Puhi and Waikato, it is said tha he was named Tukaroto to commemorate Potatau's stand at the siege of Matakitaki pa in May 1822. Tawhaio was baptised Matutaera (Methuselah) by the Anglican missionary Robert Burrows. In 1864 Te Ua Haumene, the Hauhau prophet, bestowed on him the name Tawhiao. He became one of the earliest influential figures in the structure and management of self-rule for Maoris tribes in New Zealand.

Superbly engraved original mezzotint and steel engraving for The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia published c1888 to commemorate 100 years of settlement in Australia after the First Fleet arrival in 1788 at Sydney Cove in Port Jackson. There were over 700 engravings of Australia and the neighbouring countries, and it was the most comprehensive historic pictorial description ever undertaken of this region. The Picturesque Atlas Publishing Company was set up in Sydney specifically for the task, and the finest artists, engravers and scientists and historians were employed to monitor the production. Except for the most important, the illustrations were mostly engraved on wood and were among the finest published in the late 19th century.

Image size 24 x 18cm (9.5 x 7 inches). Page size 365 x 265 inches. This is a fine engraving. There is slight age-discolouration. Please request further images if required.

Stock Number: apNZmkT.cPrice: $250.00