Puhoro: tracing of the chisel cuts used in a Maori design of tattooing on the thigh. Watercolour by H.G. Robley.

1 painting : watercolour ; sheet 29.2 x 22.7 cm

Exact size. Maori art in history. Rare. Tracing of the chisel cuts in "Puhoro" a design of tattooing on the thigh (left) Lettering on verso continued: In Dumont d'Urville's voyages is a drawing resembling and showing position on the skin. Captn. Cook 1769 noted body tattooing (and quoted page 4 "Moko" - ) Perhaps the Maori artist drawing in charcoal first. Must have had pattern well known to continue the design (as blood would obliterate part - and it would take time in small chisel tapping.

Wellcome Collection 533403i