6703 John Hawkesworth – A Fortified Māori Village on a Perforated Rock at Tolaga Bay – Original Copperplate Engraving – 1773

This dramatic copperplate engraving depicts a Māori hippah (fortified village) constructed atop a natural perforated rock formation at Tolaga Bay, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The rock, pierced by a natural arch or tunnel at its base, supports defensive wooden structures high above sea level. The composition emphasizes both the strategic location and the sophisticated engineering of the site, with figures in canoes nearby adding a sense of scale and cultural context.
The engraving was published in 1773 as part of An Account of the Voyages…, compiled by John Hawkesworth and commissioned by the British Admiralty. The work documents the first Pacific voyage of Captain James Cook aboard the Endeavour, drawing on the journals of Cook, Joseph Banks, and others. This image is based on observations made during the expedition's visit to Tolaga Bay in 1769 and reflects the early European encounter with Māori society.
John Hawkesworth (c.1715–1773) was an English writer and editor chosen to compile the official narrative of British voyages to the Southern Hemisphere. His richly illustrated volumes brought detailed descriptions of newly encountered lands and peoples to Enlightenment-era Europe, helping to shape Western understanding of the Pacific world.
Artist or Maker: Published under the direction of John Hawkesworth
Dimensions: 28 × 45 cm
Medium: Copperplate Engraving
Date: 1773
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
Värdering | 300 - 400 SEK |
Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |

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