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Maori Weapons and Implements of War
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Maori Weapons and Implements of War
Maori Weapons and Implements of War, with Warriors preparing for a fight. Plate from The New Zealanders illustrated by George French Angas (1822-1886). Date: 1847
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Media ID 14145330
© David Cousins / Mary Evans Picture Library
1847 Angas Anthropological Anthropology Attack Conflict Defence Ethnographic Ethnography Fight Implement Implements Maori Maoris Spear Tradition Traditions Tribal Warrior Warriors Weapon Zealand Zealander Racial Weapons
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking image captures the intensity and preparations of Maori warriors as they readied themselves for conflict in the mid-19th century. The photograph is taken from "The New Zealanders," a collection of ethnographic illustrations created by George French Angas in 1847. Angas, an Englishman, traveled extensively throughout New Zealand documenting the Maori people and their traditional ways of life. The Maori people, the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand, were known for their formidable fighting skills and intricate cultural practices. In this scene, several Maori warriors are shown donning their tribal markings, adornments, and weapons, which were essential for both defense and attack. The weapons depicted include the patu, a short, heavy club; the pate, a large, curved sword; and the taiaha, a spear with a hooked tip. The Maori people had a complex social structure, with various tribes and sub-tribes, each with its distinct customs and traditions. Conflict between tribes was common, often arising from disputes over land, resources, or inter-tribal alliances. Warfare was an integral part of Maori life, and the use of weapons and implements was a source of pride and identity for the warriors. Angas's ethnographic documentation of the Maori people and their weapons provides valuable insights into the history and cultural practices of this fascinating society. His work continues to be an essential resource for anthropologists, historians, and anyone interested in the rich and complex history of the Maori people and their traditions.
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