Heaphy, Charles 1820-1881 :Rangiaeata. 1840

Upper body profile portrait of the Maori warrior chief Te Rangihaeata with moko and with six huia feathers in his hair, an albatross feather (pohoi toroa) and greenstone drop (whakakai) earring in his right ear, a flax cloak with taniko border and an outer kiwi feather cloak. There is a strap running from his right shoulder to his waistband and his cloaks hang open to below his waist.

Te Rangihaeata was the only surviving son of Waitohi of Ngati Toa, and elder sister of Te Rauparaha, and Te Rangikapiki of Ngati Raukawa. He had one other surviving sibling, his sister Te Rangi Topeora. The other children were killed by Ngati Pou (Waikato) before Ngati Toa migrated to Kapiti. Te Rangihaeata was a rangatira (chief) of the Ariki class, the highest ranking class of Maori chief, and a tohunga. He was expert in carving, the recitation of tribal prayers and incantations, and tribal and inter-tribal genealogies. He strenuously resisted European encroachment upon Maori customs and land. He died in 1855.

The third of a series of three portraits done of Te Rangihaeata by Heaphy in 1840. The second is in private hands, neg 18132 1/2, with the same title - Rangihaeata is shown with only 3 feathers in his hair, he wears only one cloak, lacking the taniko border and has no strap across his shoulder; the first is also in private hands.

The second portrait was purchased by the Library in August 2015; reference number B-198-007

Other Titles - Te Rangihaeata

Inscriptions: Recto - beneath image - Rangiaeata. 1840; Recto - bottom right - Chas Heaphy

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Watercolour, 280 x 178 mm on sheet 463 x 363 mm