“te tau iwa-circle of nine” by Marama Warren

2021
Digital prints on handmade and recycled papers including old photo albums, linen thread, brass screw
25 x 50 x 0.5 cm

These nine Maori women were photographed in the late 1800s by Elizabeth Pulman, New Zealand’s first known woman photographer. The English-born mother of nine ran a photographic studio in Auckland and was respected by the local tribes.

Her photos show Maori people from all walks of life. An album of her glass plate prints, treasured by my family for generations, is now in the Auckland Museum.

Inspired by the words of Jean Shinoda Bolen, I have arranged photos of nine Maori portraits in a ‘creative circle.’ My intention in making this book is to acknowledge these women, to bring them out of that musty album and give them a place in the world and the light.

Elizabeth Pulman (1836-1900) was born in England and sailed for New Zealand in 1861. Twice widowed, she raised nine children on her own and campaigned vigorously for copyright protection for map makers and photographers. Records show she held a deep respect for the Maori people and their culture.