Hallamai Tayo (Come here friend)

from Tamatea: Art and Conservation in Dusky Sound

Acrylic on linen

910 x 610mm

$5200

Symbolising Cook’s encampment in Fiordland and his first meeting with Māori in Dusky. Hunter depicts the view of Indian Island looking across Dusky Sound encased in a feathered cloak. 'Hallamai Tayo' (Come here friend), voices Cook then lays on the rock in front of him one white handkerchief, Forster, Cooks Botanist also places his. Two sheets of parchment and a medal are given by Cook. The sailor gives his knife. Then Forster pulls from his pocket a small glass bead. Mementos, all that they had on them that day. Recently a 17th Century Venetian blue glass bead has been found on Indian island.