Wiremu Reweti Puhi Te Hihi

item details

NameWiremu Reweti Puhi Te Hihi

ProductionElizabeth Pulman; photographer; 1871-circa 1885; Auckland
1850 / 05 Jul 1896

Classificationcartes-de-visite, albumen prints, black-and-white prints, studio portraits

Materialssilver, albumen, printing-out paper, mounting board

Materials Summaryblack and white photograph, carte-de-visite

Techniquesblack-and-white photography, photography, printing-out

DimensionsImage: 57mm (width), 90mm (height)

Registration NumberO.037784

Credit lineBequest of the Edwin family, 1966

Overview

Wiremu Reweti Puhi Te Hihi was a rangatira (chief) from a highly respected Nga Puhi family. In 1882 he accompanied his relative Hakena Parore as part of a delegation led by Hirini Taiwhanga to England to present a petition to Queen Victoria on behalf of Maori seeking redress and restoration for breaches by the colonial government against Maori in contravention of the spirit and intent of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Wiremu Reweti, who was sent by his uncle Parore Te Awha, a chief of considerable standing, was the eldest member of the three-man delegation. And the only member of the party who was tattooed. Wiremu became the very object of curiosity and amusement when they walked the streets of London; the attention he received because of his facial moko (tattoo) was unwanted and embarrassing.

Wiremu Reweti Puhi Te Hihi was well attired in the fashion of a gentleman wearing a blue Dittoes suit. His dignified manner and courteous and unaffected bearing endeared him to all who met him.