De Natsche, Ceremony for the King's Son, Tonga, 1790s-1800s, Print

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De Natsche – Ceremony for the King's Son, Tonga c.1795 This antique print depicts a grand ceremony held in honour … Read more De Natsche – Ceremony for the King's Son, Tonga c.1795 This antique print depicts a grand ceremony held in honour of the son of the King of Tonga, known as the Natsche, in the village of Mua on Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga. The engraving shows a wide clearing where rows of dancers and warriors perform in synchronised formation, their arms raised and movements coordinated in tribute to the royal family. Behind them, groups of spectators observe from the shaded forest edge, while other dignitaries stand closer to the ceremonial area. The scene captures the scale and order of Tongan ceremonial gatherings, reflecting the kingdom’s complex social hierarchy and highly organised ritual performances. This engraving originates from ‘Reizen Rondom de Wereld door James Cook,’ the Dutch translation of James Cook’s voyages, published circa 1795 by Honkoop, Allart en Van Cleef. The translation was prepared by J.D. Pasteur. The original event was witnessed by Captain Cook during his third voyage in 1777, when he visited Tonga and documented its cultural traditions in detail. Such engravings brought vivid images of Polynesian life to European readers, showcasing elaborate social structures and ceremonial expressions rarely seen by outsiders at the time. The technique used is engraving, where the image was carefully incised onto a metal plate, inked, and printed onto paper to produce fine linear detail and strong tonal contrasts. These prints were valued for their accuracy and ability to convey complex scenes in an era before photography. Condition summary: Very good condition with strong impressions and clean paper. Minor age-toning and light foxing near the margins but no tears or repairs. Paper remains firm and stable. Framing tips: This print will display beautifully with a warm cream or light stone mount. Choose a dark oak, walnut, or black frame with a slim silver or gold inner line to enhance its museum-quality presence. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the engraving’s fine detail over time. See less