Abel Tasman, Tongatapu Natives, 1643

A drawing with description made by Isaack Gilsemans from ship diary by Abel Tasman, showing both ships in the bay (A), the inhabitants of Tongatapu with presents (B and E), showing their canoe (C), how they fish (D), and where the king lives (F). Tongatapu was first sighted by Europeans on January 20, 1643 by Abel Tasman commanding two ships, the Heemskerck and the Zeehaen. Abel Janszoon Tasman (1603 - October 10, 1659) was a Dutch seafarer, explorer, and merchant in the service of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Isaack Gilsemans (1606 - 1646) was a Dutch merchant and artist. Gilsemans is most noted for joining the explorer Abel Tasman on his expedition in 1642-43 during which Tasmania, New Zealand and several Pacific Islands were discovered. Gilsemans produced a number of drawings that documented island and native life. His depictions of the Maori people were the first for Europeans

Picture No

12697330

Media ID

47701433

Size

4350px x 3110px (1.4MB)

Credit

Science Source/Mary Evans