This George French Angas painting of a haka at Ōhinemutu, on the shore of Lake Rotorua, is based on an 1844 drawing by Joseph Merrett. It shows a group of naked warriors raising traditional weapons in a classic haka posture. These haka developed co-ordination and fitness, and prepared warriors psychologically for imminent battle. However, European observers such as Merrett were often appalled by the ferocious and unfamiliar actions of the haka.
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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
D-010-001
Artwork by George French Angas
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
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