Portrait - Maori Rewi Maniapoto

Portrait – Maori Rewi Maniapoto

A distinguished Oceanic artwork from the turn of the twentieth century, this museum-quality photograph captures the renowned tribal leader Rewi Maniapoto. Executed in the evocative albumen print technique by Josiah Martin, this piece is exemplary of period portraiture in New Zealand and reflects late Victorian fascination with indigenous leaders.

Origin: New Zealand, Josiah Martin
Date: Circa 1900
Material: Albumen print on photographic paper

Dimensions: 15 x 20 cm

Condition: Excellent overall, with a subtle, even patina commensurate with age

This rare portrait stands as an important document of both Oceanic artistry and tribal heritage, situating itself alongside other significant photographs held in major ethnographic collections. Josiah Martin, a celebrated colonial-era photographer, was renowned for capturing the dignity and mana of Māori chiefs, making this piece especially sought-after by collectors interested in New Zealand history. The print powerfully represents both the sitter’s individuality and the broader historical narrative of Māori resistance and identity at the dawn of the twentieth century.

Notable Features:

• Superior craftsmanship displayed through Martin’s deft use of the albumen process, providing rich detail and characterful tonal depth.
• The photograph exemplifies the austere elegance typical of late Victorian portraiture, set apart by its engaging naturalism and respect for its subject.
• Historically significant due to both its depiction of Rewi Maniapoto—a pivotal figure in the New Zealand Wars—and its creation by a photographer regarded for his sensitive ethnographic documentation.
• Highly collectable due to its rarity, provenance, and desirable scale; such authentic Oceanic photographic portraits seldom appear on the market.
• Suitable for display in collections specialising in tribal art, Pacific history, or fine art photography, and makes an impressive focal point for any connoisseur of ethnographic image-making.

This portrait of Rewi Maniapoto is not only a compelling visual record but also an enduring testament to the artistic and cultural exchanges of its era. For those seeking a centrepiece in the field of Oceanic art, or wishing to enrich their appreciation of historic photography, this piece offers exceptional value and authenticity.