Une Femme de Eaoo.

Rare c.18th engraving of a woman from the island of Eua, Tonga, from the French edition of the accounts of Cook’s third and final voyage.

While on Tongatapu from 10 June to 10 July 1777, Cook and his men recorded Tongan life, ceremonies and culture. They arrived at the island of Eaoo (Eua) on 12th June, 1777 where Webber made this portrait.

‘The Women are in General handsome tho’ many among them somewhat masculine…They wear much the same kind of Clothing as the men & wear necklaces of Shells and the Legs of Fowls & some made of a small black Seed. They are clothed from the Waist to the Knees & all the other parts are exposed. The lower Class of young women have their Hair cut short, while those of the Agee order wear it long & flowing down their Shoulders which had a graceful and a truly elegant Appearance.’ Cooks Journals III, 2, 1042.

From: King & Cook: Troisieme voyage de Cook, oMer Pacifique du Sud & du Nord, en 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779 & 1780.  Published 1785