Story: Exhibitions and world’s fairs

Māori tomb at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, 1886 (2nd of 2)

Māori tomb at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, 1886

New Zealand's court at the 1886 Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London was organised by Julius Haast, who was also the director of Canterbury Museum. Observers interpreted it as showing the progress of the country from 'Old New Zealand' to a thriving European colony. The central section included an extensive collection of Māori artefacts, including this tomb of Ngāti Pikiao chief Te Waata Taranui. The chief's body had been removed. The Māori display also included an impressive pātaka (storehouse) from Te Arawa, extensive collections of woven mats, models of waka, and cases of adzes and weapons. The material had been collected by naturalist Walter Buller. Other sections included, as at previous exhibitions, a fernery, native woods, furniture, manufactured goods – including some beer, which was well received – and the usual paintings showing the beauty of New Zealand. 

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Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: S14-290b

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

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How to cite this page:

Jock Phillips, 'Exhibitions and world’s fairs - International exhibitions, 1862 to 1900', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/45422/maori-tomb-at-the-colonial-and-indian-exhibition-1886 (accessed 18 April 2024)

Story by Jock Phillips, published 22 Oct 2014