Story: History of immigration

John Rutherford, the tattooed Englishman

John Rutherford, the tattooed Englishman

A few escaped convicts or seamen lived with Māori as traders and go-betweens. They became known as Pākehā–Māori. One was John Rutherford, shown here in European dress but with a fully tattooed face. The portrait was probably done by George Scharf in England, where Rutherford appeared in sideshows.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: A-090-028
Watercolour by George Scharf

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'History of immigration - Early years', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/1504/john-rutherford-the-tattooed-englishman (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 Aug 2015