Maori priest
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Maori priest
Portrait of Te Wainga, Maori priest of Araitehuruthe presiding deity of the entrance of the river Hokianga. Book: Manners and customs of the New Zealanders Date: 1840
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Media ID 8199513
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10635489
Description Folk Lore Maori Peoples Priests Zealand
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative portrait captures the enigmatic presence of Te Wainga, a revered Maori priest from the Northland region of New Zealand, in the early 19th century. Te Wainga served as the presiding deity and spiritual guardian of the entrance to the Hokianga River, a sacred site of great cultural significance to the Maori people. The image, taken from the seminal work "Manners and Customs of the New Zealanders" published in 1840, offers a rare glimpse into the rich and complex Maori society that existed prior to European colonization. Dressed in traditional Maori attire, Te Wainga's intricately tattooed body and expressive facial features convey a deep sense of spiritual connection to the land and its people. At the time, the Maori were a highly autonomous and decentralized society, governed by a complex system of tribal alliances and spiritual beliefs. The role of the priest, or "tohunga," was central to Maori life, as they were believed to possess special knowledge and powers that allowed them to communicate with the gods and maintain the balance of nature. Despite the encroachment of European influence, the Maori people continued to hold onto their traditions and spiritual practices, adapting them to the changing world around them. Te Wainga's portrait serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and enduring strength of indigenous cultures, even in the face of great upheaval and change. Today, the Maori people remain an integral part of New Zealand's cultural fabric, and their rich history and traditions continue to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world. This portrait of Te Wainga offers a window into a bygone era, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of all peoples.
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