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Fine art Etching engraving titled "
A Man of the Sandwich Islands, in a Mask," created by John Webber and engraved by T. Cook, first published in 1784. The "Sandwich Islands" is the historical name given to the Hawaiian Islands by Captain James Cook in honor of the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
Details of the Artwork
Artist and Origin John Webber was the official artist and draughtsman on Captain Cook's third and final voyage to the Pacific from 1776–1780. The engraving was created after his drawing and included in the official account of the voyage, A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, published in London in 1784.
The Mask The figure wears a ceremonial mask made from a large gourd with cut-outs for the eyes and nose. It is adorned with fern fronds (pala) on top, resembling a waving plume, and strips of cloth hanging from the bottom, resembling a beard.
Cultural Context The masks were worn by a group of people in a canoe who approached Cook's ships in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii, appearing to be "laughing and drolling with an air of masquerading". It is believed these were part of traditional Hawaiian culture, potentially used in games or as a form of defense. |
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