10. Horatio Gordon Robley Mokomokai Collection
Mokomokai are the preserved heads of Maori, the original humans who inhabited New Zealand, that have been decorated after death. During the 19th century, they became prized possessions by those colonizing the area and were widely traded thanks to their high value.
One of the biggest collectors of these types of items was Major General Horatio Gordon Robley. The soldier had served in the British Army in New Zealand and became fascinated with the Mokomokai during his time in the country. He later collected some 40 individual heads before selling them to the American Museum of Natural History.
While the photograph can be explained as it is the collection of Robley, it is unknown exactly why he became so interested in Mokomokai in the first place and why he was so interested in having this photograph taken.
...[ Continue to next page ]
Share This Post
