Man of the Island of Mallicolo.

Rare engraving from the official British Admiralty sanctioned edition of the accounts of Cook’s second voyage. All other later copies made of this image by other publishers were unauthorised, usually smaller and inferior in quality.

The Resolution visited Malekula (Vanuatu) from 22 to 23 July 1774.

Engraving depicts the head and shoulders of a bearded man. In this engraved view (the final state) the plate was reworked to remove a bow and arrow which had been on the first state of the plate, and a cloak was added.

‘They have perforated Ears, & likewise the Cartilege of the Nose is bored & they put either a Stick of two Spar or Alabastar-Stones, which are tied together, into the hold.

References; Beddie 1381-47, p.268, Joppien pl.82, ill.p.90

From Cook’s, A Voyage Towards the South Pole, and Round the World, performed in His Majesty’s Ships the ‘Resolution’ and ‘Adventure’, In the Years 1772, 1773, 1774, and 1775.