Story: Te mahi kai – food production economics
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.
About this item
Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tamaki
Oil painting by Gottfried Lindauer
Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.