Artwork Information

Angas's description:

"PLATE LII.

THE CEREMONY OF ONGI, OR PRESSING NOSES.

THIS scene represents a party of natives arrived at a small pah at Taranaki, who are saluting their friends with the ceremony of ongi, or pressing noses; a mode of greeting which corresponds with our custom of shaking hands; on occasions where friends meet after a long absence, the ongi is performed for a considerable time, especially by the women. In the distance is the snow-capped peak of Mount Egmont."