Original Oil Painting by Phillip Holmes of Renata Kawepo.

Dimensions:
Overall size with frame: 75cm x 60cm
Painting size: 60cm x 45cm

Artists description on the back of the painting is as follows:

"Renata Kawepo of the Ngati Kahungunu tribe of Southern Hawkes Bay was present at the battle of Te Porere Pa when British forces, together with Government loyal Maoris attacked Te Kooti in 1869.
This was the last battle of the Maori Wars.

Kawepo who always heeded the warnings of his soothsayers, was told this day was not in his favour and decided to withdraw. However his tribe thought otherwise and began to advance on Te Kooti.
Seeing his Mana threatened he, in his eagerness to allay any doubts of his courage ran ahead and arrived in the thick of battle ahead of his men.
He immediately killed a Hau Hau but was set upon by the mans wife who gouged out his right eye.

He survived to be offered many posts by government but steadfastly refused all honours, claiming his status as a High Chief was sufficient."


I am selling this on behalf of my Mother In Law, so please feel free to ask questions but understand I may not respond immediately.