Framed Print : Human sacrifice in Tahiti, artwork
Framed Photos from Science Photo Library
Human sacrifice in Tahiti, artwork
Human sacrifice in Tahiti. Artwork of the British explorer Captain James Cook (lower right) and other sailors, watching the final stages of a two-day human sacrifice in Tahiti in 1777. At centre, the body has been tied to a post and brought to a morai, a sacred place used for burial and worship. The grave is being dug in the background, in front of skulls of previous sacrifices. At left, seated priests pray to the god Oro. At far left, drummers beat ceremonial drums. At right, a dog is being sacrificed over a fire. This image is based on artwork by John Webber, Cooks official artist
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6312407
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 18th Century Anthropological Anthropology Captain Ceremony Chief Cook Dead Body Death Explorer Fatal Killed Pacific Polynesian Priest Religion Religious Ritual Rituals Tahiti 1777 Drummer Drummers Human Sacrifice James Cook John Webber Morai Priests Sacrificed Tahitian
22"x18" (58x48cm) Modern Frame
Experience the captivating allure of history with Media Storehouse's Framed Prints featuring the evocative artwork "Human Sacrifice in Tahiti" by Science Photo Library. This intriguing piece depicts the final stages of a traditional Tahitian ritual, with British explorer Captain James Cook and his sailors observing from a distance. Transport yourself back in time and bring the rich history of the South Pacific into your home or office with this stunning and thought-provoking artwork. Each Framed Print is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials to ensure a beautiful and lasting display. Order yours today and add a touch of history and culture to your space.
Wood effect frame, card mounted, 16x12 archival quality photo print. Overall outside dimensions 22x18 inches (58x48cm). Environmentally and ozone friendly, 40mm wide x 15mm Polycore® moulding has the look of real wood, is durable and light and easy to hang. Biodegradable and made with non-chlorinated gases (no toxic fumes) it is efficient; producing 100 tons of polystyrene can save 300 tons of trees! Prints are glazed with lightweight, shatterproof, optical clarity acrylic (providing the same general protection from the environment as glass). The back is stapled hardboard with a sawtooth hanger attached. Note: To minimise original artwork cropping, for optimum layout, and to ensure print is secure, the visible print may be marginally smaller
Contemporary Framed and Mounted Prints - Professionally Made and Ready to Hang
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 39.6cm x 22.6cm (15.6" x 8.9")
Estimated Product Size is 57.9cm x 47.8cm (22.8" x 18.8")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a chilling moment in history - the human sacrifice ritual that took place in Tahiti in 1777. In this artwork, we witness the presence of British explorer Captain James Cook and his fellow sailors observing the final stages of this two-day ceremony. The scene unfolds at a sacred morai, where burial and worship rituals are conducted. At the center of attention is a body tied to a post, while behind it, a grave is being dug amidst an eerie backdrop adorned with skulls from previous sacrifices. On the left side, seated priests offer prayers to Oro, their god. Meanwhile, ceremonial drummers on the far left create an intense rhythm that reverberates through the air. To add to this haunting spectacle, on the right side of the image, we see a dog being sacrificed over an open fire as part of this religious practice. This depiction is based on John Webber's artwork; he was Captain Cook's official artist during his exploration. The photograph provides us with valuable insights into both Polynesian culture and European encounters with indigenous practices during colonial times. It serves as a reminder of how different belief systems can shape societies and highlights humanity's diverse historical journey across time and continents.
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