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South Sea Islands Collection

"Exploring the Enchanting South Sea Islands: A Journey through History and Culture" Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of the South Sea Islands

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: South Sea Island, n. d. Creator: Lorens Gottman

South Sea Island, n. d. Creator: Lorens Gottman
South Sea Island, n.d

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Mahana no atua (Day of the God), 1894. Creator: Paul Gauguin

Mahana no atua (Day of the God), 1894. Creator: Paul Gauguin
Mahana no atua (Day of the God), 1894

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: The burning of the idols (colour litho)

The burning of the idols (colour litho)
3620705 The burning of the idols (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The burning of the idols)

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Young Tahitian princess, illustration from Tahiti, published in London

Young Tahitian princess, illustration from Tahiti, published in London
CHT242730 Young Tahitian princess, illustration from Tahiti, published in London, 1882 (b/w photo) by Stuart-Wortley, Colonel (1832-90); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Vahine, Tahiti, c. 1920 (w / c on paper)

Vahine, Tahiti, c. 1920 (w / c on paper)
MGS149617 Vahine, Tahiti, c.1920 (w/c on paper) by Morillot, Octave (1878-1931); 45.7x29.2 cm; Private Collection; eMichael Graham-Stewart; French, out of copyright

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Native Inhabitants of the Friendly Islands Dancing in Hapee

Native Inhabitants of the Friendly Islands Dancing in Hapee
CHT200415 Native Inhabitants of the Friendly Islands Dancing in Hapee, from the Third Voyage Atlas of Captain James Cook (1728-79) 1777 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Webber

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Tahitian family, illustration from Tahiti, published in London

Tahitian family, illustration from Tahiti, published in London
CHT242731 Tahitian family, illustration from Tahiti, published in London, 1882 (b/w photo) by Stuart-Wortley, Colonel (1832-90); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; (add.info.: protectorate)

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Double Pirogue of the Friendly Islands, illustration from the

Double Pirogue of the Friendly Islands, illustration from the
CHT213016 Double Pirogue of the Friendly Islands, illustration from the Atlas du Voyage a la recherche de La Perouse, 1792 (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Plate III for the Grammar of Ornament, Savage Tribes No. 3 (colour litho)

Plate III for the Grammar of Ornament, Savage Tribes No. 3 (colour litho)
BCC124708 Plate III for the Grammar of Ornament, Savage Tribes No. 3 (colour litho) by Jones, Owen (1809-74); Calmann & King, London, UK; English, out of copyright

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: An Artists Adventures in a Far Country (engraving)

An Artists Adventures in a Far Country (engraving)
1044139 An Artists Adventures in a Far Country (engraving) by Ralston, William (1848-1911) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: An Artists Adventures in a Far Country)

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Fishing apparatus in South Sea Islands (b / w photo)

Fishing apparatus in South Sea Islands (b / w photo)
6025407 Fishing apparatus in South Sea Islands (b/w photo) by European Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Fishing apparatus in South Sea Islands)

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Tooth Sword, South Sea Islands, from the Arms of All Nations series (N3) for Allen &

Tooth Sword, South Sea Islands, from the Arms of All Nations series (N3) for Allen &
Tooth Sword, South Sea Islands, from the Arms of All Nations series (N3) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands, 1887

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: The ceremonial costume of war and everyday waist-cloth, Gilbert Islands, 1922

The ceremonial costume of war and everyday waist-cloth, Gilbert Islands, 1922. Artist: Thomas McMahon
The ceremonial costume of war and everyday waist-cloth, Gilbert Islands, 1922. Illustration from Peoples of All Nations, Their Life Today and the Story of Their Past, volume II

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Man from the Samoan Islands, 1848

Man from the Samoan Islands, 1848. An engraving from the Natural History of Man, by James Cowles Prichard, (Hippolyte Bailliere, London, third edition, 1848)

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Woman from the Samoan Islands, 1848

Woman from the Samoan Islands, 1848. An engraving from the Natural History of Man, by James Cowles Prichard, (Hippolyte Bailliere, London, third edition, 1848)

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Australian Inhabitants, 1800-1850. Artist: G Mutzel

Australian Inhabitants, 1800-1850. Artist: G Mutzel
Australian Inhabitants, 1800-1850. Far from being one homogenous race, at the time of European settlement in the 18th century, the estimated 750

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Native of the Papua Islands, c1840. Artist: J Bull

Native of the Papua Islands, c1840. Artist: J Bull
Native of the Papua Islands, c1840. A man from Papua New Guinea. Engraving from the Natural History of Man by J Bull, (London, c1840)

Background imageSouth Sea Islands Collection: Tooth Sword South Sea Islands Arms Nations series

Tooth Sword South Sea Islands Arms Nations series
Artokoloro



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"Exploring the Enchanting South Sea Islands: A Journey through History and Culture" Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of the South Sea Islands, where tales of adventure, tragedy, and beauty intertwine. From the infamous murder of Commodore Goodenough to the fascinating lives of Abba Thulle's wives, Ludee and Prince Lee Boo, these islands have witnessed stories that have shaped their identity. Step into a world captured by artists like Henry Kingsbury, Lorens Gottman, Paul Gauguin, and more. Their works transport us to a time when life on these islands was both mysterious and enchanting. Lose yourself in "Mahana no atua, " an evocative painting by Gauguin that depicts a vibrant celebration during the Day of the God. Witness history unfold before your eyes as you explore images such as "The burning of idols, " which showcases a significant cultural transformation. Marvel at portraits like that of a young Tahitian princess or Vahine from c. 1920 – glimpses into the timeless beauty found within these island paradises. Experience moments filled with joyous dances performed by Native Inhabitants in Hapee or join a Tahitian family as they navigate their daily lives – all beautifully illustrated in publications from London. As you delve deeper into this rich tapestry woven across centuries, encounter scenes like Double Pirogue sailing through friendly waters or Savage Tribes depicted in Plate III for Grammar of Ornament – reminders that diversity thrives among these islands' inhabitants. Discover why generations have been captivated by the allure of South Sea Islands; where nature's splendor meets human resilience amidst adversity. Let your imagination soar beyond borders as you embark on this unforgettable journey through history and culture - an exploration sure to leave an indelible mark on your soul.