[Angas, George French] 1822-1886 :Wahi tapu or sacred place, or property of a deceased chief called Pehe, at Tepahe on the river Wihanakeke [11 October 1844]

A double palisade surrounding a hut-like structure covered with tattered cloth with a pole from which a gourd is suspended. Behind the structure is a small derelict house

A more finished version of this drawing is in the Art Gallery of South Australia. The title names the river as Waiharakake (actually Waiharakeke). Angas travelled up the river from the Kawhai Harbour in the company of Thomas Forsaith, the Sub-Protector of Aborigines, on 11 October 1844. According to Angas' Savage life and scenes in Australia and New Zealand. Vol.2, p. 70-71 'On arriving at Te Pahe, we landed from the boat and proceded to the wahi tapu which stood upon the side of a hill sloping towards the river. The sacred enclosure was surrounded with a double set of palings; and within the inner row, which were painted red, were the decaying remains of the tapued property, elevated upon a framework of raised sticks; the weather-worn garments were fluttering in the wind, and the chests, muskets and other property belonging to the deceased were arranged in front: a little canoe with sail and paddles was also placed there to serve as a ferry-boat for the spirit to enter in safety into the eternal abodes. Calabashes of food and water, and a dish prepared from the pigeon, were placed for the ghost to regale itself when visiting the spot; and the heathen natives aver that at night the spirit comes and feeds from the sacrd calabashes. So fearful are the natives to approach the wahi tapu that they will not even come within some yards of the outer enclosure.'

Other Titles - Waiharakeke Pehi Te Pahi

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Pencil and watercolour 210 x 280 mm