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Human sacrifice on Tahiti in the South Pacific, c1773. Artist: W Woollett
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Human sacrifice on Tahiti in the South Pacific, c1773. Artist: W Woollett
Human sacrifice on Tahiti in the South Pacific, c1773. Captain Cook and his officers watching a group of Tahitians chanting as a man and some pigs are prepared for sacrifice on the island of Otaheite (Tahiti). This is one of the events witnessed by Captain James Cook, the famed navigator and hydrographer, during the second of his three exploratory voyages to the Pacific region in 1772-1775 when they crossed latitude 70 degrees - the furthest south then reached by Europeans. These voyages transformed our knowledge of the region
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Media ID 14863527
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Captain Cook Captain James Captain James Cook Chanting Cook Drum Human Sacrifice Island James Cook John Webber Killing Oxford Science Archive Sacrifice South Pacific Tahiti Tahitian W Woollett Webber Woollett
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Human Sacrifice on Tahiti - A Glimpse into Captain Cook's Voyages to the South Pacific
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photo print, captured by artist W. Woollett in 1773, transports us back to a significant moment in history - an era of exploration and cultural encounters. Depicted here is the chilling scene of human sacrifice on the island of Otaheite (Tahiti), witnessed by none other than Captain James Cook and his officers during their second exploratory voyage to the Pacific region. In this monochrome image, we see a group of mesmerizing Tahitians chanting fervently as they prepare a man and some pigs for sacrifice. The tension in the air is palpable as drums beat rhythmically, adding an eerie soundtrack to this ancient ritual. This event marked one of many that transformed our understanding of this remote part of the world. Captain Cook's voyages not only expanded European knowledge but also exposed them to diverse cultures and practices previously unknown. As Europeans crossed latitude 70 degrees - venturing further south than ever before - they encountered customs that challenged their preconceptions. This remarkable print serves as a testament to both the bravery and curiosity driving these explorations while shedding light on indigenous traditions that were foreign yet deeply rooted in Tahitian culture. It reminds us how art can capture historical moments with striking clarity, allowing us to reflect upon humanity's complex past and its continuous quest for discovery.
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