Tattoo design: tracing of a genital tattoo taken from the body of Rangi-Tea-Pakura, a Maori woman of rank. Drawing by Dr. Shortland.

1 drawing : watercolour ; sheet 33.7 x 21.1 cm

Tattooing (whakairo) on the body of a Maori woman of rank Rangi-Tea-Pakura, died about 1870 - very old. Lettering on recto continued: This sketch is rare and taken by Dr Shortland, given to Dr Hocken and sent to author of "Moko" - H.G. Robley. the verse was obtained by Mr Elsdon Best and refers to this tattooing. - See over - . Lettering in Maori attached to recto: "Kei puta atu hoki taua kai nga tarouke i Tutaeahua ka paia pukutia mai e nga nana o te tara whakairo o Rangi-tea-pakura ... E...ha? Lettering on verso: Wellington 14.1.13. Dear Sir, Yours to hand this day - many thanks for picture. By the way old Tuta Nihoniha formerly lieut. in native contingent in East Coast fighting, tells me that amongst the Ngati Pourou tribe a man's "ure" was occasionally tattooed, as also occasionally the tongue (as in the Sandwich Isds.). His most amazing statement was that a woman named Rangi-tea-Pakura had her "tara" tattooed - she died 40 years ago a very old woman. This is referred to in song - (see over) - "Kei puta...etc. A man's tongue tattooed for effect in battle. Occasionally some tattooing on breast of man - such be the ways of primitive man - Yrs sincl. - Elsdon Best.

Wellcome Collection 533474i