Māori Masterpiece Sets Record Price at New Zealand Auction

The sale reflects a growing appreciation for Māori art amidst ongoing socio-political challenges in New Zealand.

An iconic oil painting titled "Thoughts of a Tohunga," crafted in 1938 by renowned New Zealand artist Charles Frederick Goldie, has achieved an unprecedented sale price of NZ$3.75 million (approximately US$2.2 million), establishing itself as the most valuable Māori artwork ever auctioned in New Zealand. This remarkable piece portrays Wharekauri Tahuna, a Māori elder considered one of the last representatives of his era with facial tattoos, known as moko.

This groundbreaking transaction takes place against a backdrop of heightened racial tensions in New Zealand, where recent proposals by the government have stirred anxiety among Māori communities regarding their rights. International Art Centre, the auction house responsible for the sale, noted that this marks not only a new peak in auction prices but also a cultural revival where New Zealanders increasingly reconnect with historical narratives through art.

Goldie's impact on Māori culture was substantial, with many in the community holding him in high regard. Richard Thomson, the director of International Art Centre, commented on the significance of the painting, which had not been available for sale in the last 33 years. “Goldie’s portraits resonate with a deep connection to New Zealand's history,” he stated. The auction house has previously sold 13 of Goldie's works, all fetching over a million dollars.

Wharekauri Tahuna appeared in several of Goldie's works and was a favored subject of the artist. Māori people represent roughly 18% of New Zealand’s population, yet they often experience systemic disadvantages in health, income, and education when compared to the broader population. Recent socio-political movements, such as a massive march against a controversial bill aimed at revising the Treaty of Waitangi, further highlight ongoing struggles within Māori communities, ultimately contributing to the context in which this record-setting sale occurred.