Story: European discovery of New Zealand

French sketch of a Māori

French sketch of a Māori

Among the French explorers who visited New Zealand in the early days of European contact was Marc Joseph Marion du Fresne. Although his expedition to New Zealand cost him his life, he left an extensive record of Māori life for posterity. The second-in-command was Julien Crozet, whose book Voyage à la mer du sud was published in 1783. It included this sketch by an unknown artist, entitled ‘Habillemens des Insulaires de la Nouvelle Zélande’.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PUBL-0150-004
Drawing by unidentified artist

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'European discovery of New Zealand - French explorers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/1437/french-sketch-of-a-maori (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 May 2016