"A Dance at Ulietea" is an iconic 18th-century illustration depicting a traditional Tahitian dance on the island of Ulietea (now Raiatea) in the Society Islands. Originally documented during Captain James Cook's voyages, the scene portrays women in ceremonial costumes dancing to the rhythm of indigenous drums and nose flutes.
Historical Context
During Captain James Cook's second and third voyages, official artists like John Weber documented the cultures of the South Pacific. The engraving "A Dance at Ulietea" showcases a thatched communal house where young women (often referred to as the ori) performed with dynamic hip movements. These dances were accompanied by percussion instruments like the toere (slit drums) and chants.