Artwork Information

Ha'apai is one of the islands of Tonga, where Webber sketched the locals and their customs. A circle of spectators surround two pairs of men engaged in physical contests: one pair boxes, the other men fight with clubs. The entertainment was provided for Cook and his crew on the beach upon his arrival on the Island. Cook remarked in his account that the boxing closely resembled that of England and the wrestling matches that also occurred were of the "same manner" as seen in Tahiti.