M0009026: Four models of massage as practised in Vaitupu

Previous title, replaced October 2020: Massage as practised in Vitupu, Ellice Islands. Models made from descriptions in Culture of Vitupu, 1931,

Photograph of four plaster models demonstrating massage as practised in Vaitupu, Tuvalu (formerly known as the Ellice Islands). Clockwise from top left they depict: massage called "Tolo"; massage called "Tao" or "Faka-tu-lima"; massage called "Suki"; massage for headache called "Tokai". The models were made by Jane Jackson in 1943 from descriptions in Kennedy Donald G: Field notes on the culture of Vaitupu, 1931. The models were acquired by the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum and are now held by the Science Museum (object numbers A656089, A656087, A656084 and A656095). Related images: M0009027, M0009028, M0009029.

June 1944

1 photograph glass plate negative; 16.5 x 21.5 cm

Catalogue data comes from a combination of entries in the original glass plate registers, metadata created when the glass plates were digitised in the early 2000s and enhancements made by the cataloguer in 2020.

Please consult the digitised version as this item is fragile. Email library@wellcomecollection.org to request access to the physical item.