Artwork Information

The Astrolabe entered Tolaga Bay in early February, and was of much interest to local Māori. Many waka came to view the boat and the crew were pleased to replenish supplies there. Officers went ashore to make observations, as did de Sainson and the naturalist. D'Urville made an interesting observation regarding the naming of the Bay, "It is worthy of remark that the names of Tolaga...are quite unknown to the Natives; but it has long since been averred that Cook, so full of sagacity otherwise, had little aptitude in acquiring the names of the peoples he visited, and, above all, in representing them in writing. The true name of the bay, Tologa, or, at least, of the district which surrounds it, is Houa-Houa, and it is that which we have adopted." Houa-Houa was the French attempt at Uawa, the Māori name for the area. This plate depicts local Māori interacting with crew men, beyond them to the right is a hut and to the left a waterfall.