Story: Tribal organisation

A Māori meeting

A Māori meeting

In this 1853 painting, ‘A native council of war’, artist John Gilfillan attempts to depict a formal gathering of what could be several iwi (tribes). Those present listen attentively to the speakers, one of whom uses a taiaha (spear) to emphasise his words.

Using this item

Hocken Library, University of Otago
Oil painting by John Gilfillan

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui, 'Tribal organisation - The significance of iwi and hapū', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/968/a-maori-meeting (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 8 Feb 2005