item details
NameAdvertising sign, Texaco 'Power Chief' motor fuel.
ProductionUnknown; maker/artist; 1930s
Classificationadvertisements, signs
Materialsmetal, enamel
DimensionsOverall: 356mm (width), 353mm (height), 10mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH024090
Credit linePurchased 2013
Overview
The image of King Tāwhiao depicted on the sign is derived from the one published in James Cowan's 'Book of the Maori Chiefs', which was published by the Texas [Texaco] Company (Australasia) Ltd.
The depiction of such a famous personality as King Tāwhiao on the sign is a very striking example of the use of Māori imagery to promote commercial products in the early 20th Century.