In Gottfried Lindauer’s painting, a tohunga (expert) is being fed by a child. Some tohunga were considered so tapu (sacred) that food was believed to pollute their tapu, and they were unable to feed themselves. Tohunga were experts in appropriate karakia (incantations) and ceremonial activities associated with food production.
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Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki
Oil painting by Gottfried Lindauer
Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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