Artwork Information

Great curiosity was show by Captain Cook and his fellow explorers in rituals associated with religion and death. Cook had met the Chief depicted in this engraving on an earlier voyage, adding a personal dimension to his interest. He recorded that when he arrived at the site the body was wrapped and under cover, but upon his request Tee was laid out for viewing. Cook and his party were however forbidden to pass beyond the railing indicated in the foreground of the print.