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Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea, one of the Society Isles, 1785. Creator: John Webber
![Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea, one of the Society Isles, 1785. Creator: John Webber](/p/731/poedua-poetua-daughter-oreo-chief-ulaietea-38690527.jpg.webp "Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea, one of the Society Isles, 1785. Creator: John Webber")
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Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea, one of the Society Isles, 1785. Creator: John Webber
Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea, one of the Society Isles, 1785. A portrait of a Pacific princess conceals an early clash of cultures. Poetua was the daughter of Oreo, a chief of Ra'iatea. While British explorer James Cook was anchored there, on his third Pacific voyage, two of his crew deserted. To force the locals to help return them, Cook took Poetua hostage, along with her husband and brother.
Poedua was the first portrait to present a Pacific woman to European audiences
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Media ID 38690527
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1780s Breast Breasts Captain Cook Captain James Cook Cook Captain James Cook James Cook James Captain French Polynesia Historic Figure Historical Person Hostage James Cook John Webber Museum Of New Zealand Polynesia Polynesian Princess Sarong Semi Dress Semi Naked Semi Nude Te Papa Tongarewa
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**A Royal Encounter: Poedua's Portrait**
In this portrait of Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea, one of the Society Isles (1785), artist John Webber captures a momentous meeting between cultures. Commissioned by British explorer James Cook during his third Pacific voyage, the painting presents a striking image of Polynesian royalty to European audiences for the first time.
Poetua's direct gaze and semi-naked pose convey her strength and dignity as she stands before us in traditional attire, adorned with intricate sarongs and breast ornaments. The artwork not only showcases Webber's skillful rendering but also serves as a poignant reminder of the complex cultural dynamics at play during this period of European exploration.
As Poedua gazes out at us, we are transported to an era when two British sailors deserted Cook's ship, leading him to take her and her family hostage in an effort to secure their return. This powerful portrait not only celebrates Polynesian heritage but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Captain James Cook and his encounters with Pacific cultures.
**Museum Collection:** Te Papa Museum (not the company)
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