Tasmans visit to Fiji, 1643
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Tasmans visit to Fiji, 1643
Tasmans visit to Fiji. 17th century artwork showing the visit of the Dutch navigator and explorer Abel Tasman (1603-1659) to the Fiji Islands in 1643. Financed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), this was the first time Europeans had visited these islands. The Dutch sailing ships Heemskerck and Zeehaen are at centre right, with Fijians swimming and paddling to meet them. In the foreground are details of Fijian boat designs. At lower right, three people are paddling an outrigger canoe, while at lower left is a larger, ocean-going catamaran sailing vessel. This sketch by Tasman is from a book published in the Netherlands in the 1670s
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Media ID 6329607
© CCI ARCHIVES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1600s 17th Century Age Of Discovery Anthropological Anthropology Beach Boat Coast Coastal Discovering Dutch Exploration Explorer Exploring Greeting Indigenous Island Meeting Melanesian Pacific Paddling Sail Sailing Sailing Ship Sailor Ship Swimming Vessel Visiting 1643 Abel Tasman Canoes Catamaran Dutch East India Company Fiji Fijian First Contact Heemskerck Mono Chrome Outrigger Canoe
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 17th-century artwork captures the historic visit of Dutch navigator and explorer Abel Tasman to the Fiji Islands in 1643. Financed by the prestigious Dutch East India Company (VOC), this expedition marked the first encounter between Europeans and the indigenous Fijians. The focal point of the print showcases two majestic Dutch sailing ships, Heemskerck and Zeehaen, anchored at center-right while Fijians eagerly swim and paddle towards them for a momentous meeting. The foreground of this monochrome illustration offers intricate details of Fijian boat designs, showcasing their impressive craftsmanship. In one corner, three individuals skillfully navigate an outrigger canoe, highlighting their expertise in seafaring. Meanwhile, a larger ocean-going catamaran sailing vessel graces the lower left corner, symbolizing both innovation and tradition. Created by Abel Tasman himself as part of a book published in the Netherlands during the 1670s, this artwork provides invaluable insights into early Pacific exploration. It serves as a testament to human curiosity and discovery during an era known as "the Age of Discovery". This historical depiction not only sheds light on European maritime advancements but also highlights indigenous Melanesian culture through its portrayal of Fijian people engaging with these foreign visitors. Preserved by Science Photo Library today, this remarkable print invites us to reflect upon our shared history and appreciate how encounters like these have shaped our understanding of geography, anthropology, and global connections throughout time.
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