Friendly Islands Collection

Beach on the Island of Tonga
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Landing of Captain Cook at Middleburg, Friendly Islands, 1774-97 (oil on canvas)
7295301 Landing of Captain Cook at Middleburg, Friendly Islands, 1774-97 (oil on canvas) by Hodges, William (1744-97) (after); 45.2x59.8 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Women dancing for Queen Tine on the Island of Tonga (dance of the Friendly Islands)
FLO4695528 Women dancing for Queen Tine on the Island of Tonga (dance of the Friendly Islands). Handcoloured stipple engraving from Frederic Shoberl's The World in Miniature

A Tongan Belle (engraving)
8648111 A Tongan Belle (engraving) by Australian School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Tongan Belle. New Hebrides)

Costumes de Différents Pays, Roi des Ysles des Amis, c1797. Creator: Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur
Costumes de Differents Pays, Roi des Ysles des Amis, c1797

Costumes de Différents Pays, Femme des Ysles des Amis, c1797. Creator: Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur
Costumes de Differents Pays, Femme des Ysles des Amis, c1797

Costumes de Différents Pays, Homme de l'Isle des Amis, c1797. Creators: Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur
Costumes de Differents Pays, Homme de l'Isle des Amis, c1797

King Polaho drinking kava in a longhouse, Tonga (Friendly Islands). Handcoloured copperplate engraved by Sasso after
FLO4624448 King Polaho drinking kava in a longhouse, Tonga (Friendly Islands). Handcoloured copperplate engraved by Sasso after John Webber from Giulio Ferrario's Ancient

Natives of Tonga (Friendly Islands). King Pouaho in feather headdress, man in gnatoo tappa cloth
FLO4624442 Natives of Tonga (Friendly Islands). King Pouaho in feather headdress, man in gnatoo tappa cloth, Chief Ataongo Otago of Tongatapu Amsterdam Island with knife

Fete in honour of D Entrecasteaux at the Friendly Islands (engraving)
2781420 Fete in honour of D Entrecasteaux at the Friendly Islands (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Cromlech at Tonga-Taboo, One of the Friendly Islands (engraving)
1098621 Cromlech at Tonga-Taboo, One of the Friendly Islands (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cromlech at Tonga-Taboo, One of the Friendly Islands)

Nukualofa, Tonga, the Capital of the Friendly Islands (litho)
1598802 Nukualofa, Tonga, the Capital of the Friendly Islands (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nukualofa, Tonga, the Capital of the Friendly Islands)

Misadventures of an Artist in Tonga (engraving)
1046281 Misadventures of an Artist in Tonga (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Misadventures of an Artist in Tonga)

7: Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands, drinking Kava
3709223 7: Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands, drinking Kava, from a series of watercolours illustrating Captain Cooks last voyage, c.1773-84 (w/c on paper) by Webber

Captain Cook landing on a South Pacific island, 1770s
James Cook landing in the Friendly Islands, greeted by Tonga natives bearing fruit, 1770s. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th-century illustration

Natives, Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Woods at Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Wooded Scenery at Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

General view of woods at Tongataboo
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Native Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

View of Woods at Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Garden Party, Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876), funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Queen Charlotte, Tongataboo Friendly Islands - during the
The Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) was funded by the British Government for scientific purposes and seems to have been the first expedition to carry an official photographer as well as an

Natives Tongataboo, Friendly Islands photographed during the
Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes and seems to have been the first expedition to carry an official photographer as well as an official

Native Pilot, Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Governor of Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

King George, Tongataboo, Friendly Islands
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Exploration of Tonga, 18th century
Exploration of Tonga. 18th century artwork showing a European explorer (lower centre) being welcomed by Tongans in a canopied area on a chieftains sailing vessel

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The Friendly Islands, also known as Tonga, offer a paradise unlike any other. With its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, it is no wonder why this island nation has earned its friendly reputation. One can imagine lounging on the sandy shores of Tonga, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The Beach on the Island of Tonga invites visitors to soak up the sun and enjoy the gentle ocean breeze. It's a place where worries melt away and relaxation takes center stage. In this idyllic setting, one might stumble upon King Polaho drinking kava in a traditional longhouse. Kava is a ceremonial drink that holds great significance in Tongan culture. Sharing this moment with royalty would be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of these islands. As we explore further into Tonga's rich heritage, we encounter Natives adorned in their traditional attire. King Pouaho dons an impressive feather headdress while another man wears gnatoo tappa cloth – both representing their cultural identity with pride. Chief Ataongo Otago stands tall on Amsterdam Island with his trusty knife by his side, symbolizing strength and resilience. A Fete in honor of D Entrecasteaux at the Friendly Islands captures the spirit of celebration that permeates through every corner of Tongan life. Music fills the air as locals come together to commemorate special occasions – a testament to their vibrant community spirit. Tonga's natural wonders are not to be missed either; Cromlech at Tonga-Taboo showcases ancient stone structures that hold stories from centuries past. These remnants remind us of our connection to history and how it shapes our present-day experiences. Nukualofa, Tonga's capital city located within these enchanting islands, offers glimpses into modern life amidst breathtaking landscapes. Its litho depiction captures bustling streets filled with colorful markets and smiling faces – evidence that even amid progress, friendliness remains at the core of Tongan society.