Item #232384 Carte de visite portrait of Tawhiao, 2nd Maori King, captioned “Tawahio [sic] the Maori King”. New Zealand.

The 2nd King of the Maoris: a Rare Carte-de-Visite

Carte de visite portrait of Tawhiao, 2nd Maori King, captioned “Tawahio [sic] the Maori King”.

[New Zealand: ca. 1890].

Price: $1,250.00


About the item

1 vols. 3-3/8 x 2-1.2. The 2nd King of the Maoris: a Rare Carte-de-Visite. Mounted to card. Slight circular abrasion in lower right corner of image.

Item #232384

A rare care-de-visite portrait of Tawhiao (c. 1822-1894), the 2nd Maori King, who “…left a legacy of religious principles from which his people would draw a future dream for Tainui: the rebirth of a self-sufficient economic base, supported by the strength and stability of the people. Native trees and foods symbolise strength and self-sufficiency in his statement: 'I shall build my own house, the ridge-pole will be of hinau and the supporting posts of mahoe and patate. Those who inhabit that house shall be raised on rengarenga and nurtured on kawariki.' During Tawhiao's exile, Waikato people had reflected and focused on the powerful symbols of the King movement. The man and the vision became united, and part of the traditions and knowledge of the people. The vision is recounted and passed on to later generations at tribal hui, where it continues to be discussed and debated.” — www.nzhistory.net.nz.