These two paddles (hoe) were acquired by the crew of the Endeavour during British explorer James Cook's first visit to New Zealand in 1769–70. They may have been a gift to Tupaia, the Tahitian priest acting as an interpreter for the expedition, or they may have been exchanged for European items. In early Māori–Pākehā encounters, both groups carefully observed the others' behaviour and exchanged goods. The journals of Cook, botanist Joseph Banks and others involved in the first contacts provide the earliest European observations of Māori life.
Using this item
MAA: Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Reference:
D.1914.66 (top); D.1914.67 (bottom)
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Add new comment