Omiah, [Omai] a native of Otabeite, brought to England by Capt. Fourneaux [Furneaux] / Page, sculptor

P1/2167

fonds

1774

Graphic Materials, Prints

1344680

1 print - 17 x 11.5 cm; on paper 18 x 12.5 cm. - engraving

Omiah or Omai, ca 1751-1780, was brought aboard Cook’s second voyage by Captain Furneaux in 1774. He came from the island of Huahine near Tahiti. Omai became the first South Sea islander seen in Britain.

The print shows Omai holding his famous stool and shows his tattooing on the tops of his feet and the back of his left wrist. It is pasted down on a sheet of wove paper.

Out of copyright: Creator died before 1955
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The image appeared in the 'London Magazine, or Gentleman's Monthly Intelligencer' for August 1774 on page 362. The article, 'Genuine account of Omiah, a native of Otaheite, a new discovered island in the South-Seas, lately brought over to England by Capt. Fourneaux appears on pages 363-364.

Title underneath image.

Lower bottom right, below image: Page sculp.

The engraving is probably based on 'Omai, a native of Ulaietea, brought into England in the year 1774 by Tobias Furneaux by N. Dance, del. and F. Bartolozzi sculp'.

Date based on issue date of London Magazine.