Charles Frederick Goldie Early New Zealand Artist

Charles Goldie is known for his portraits of New Zealand Maori chiefs (ariki) and women of rank (kuia). His paintings chronicled the traditional tattoos of these Maori men and women.

Charles Goldie was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on 20 October 1870. The second of eight children born to David Goldie and his wife, Maria Partington.

Below are some examples of his Charles Goldie's paintings of Maori men and women.

Biography of Charles F. Goldie

You may be robbed of all that you cherish. But of your moko, you cannot be deprived, except by death. It will be your ornament and your companion until your final day. - Netena Whakaari of Waimana, 1921

Tattooing has deep roots in Polynesian culture, and each of the various Polynesian races of the South Pacific has a unique blend of tattoo or tatau. Tattooing was tied closely to rank, and the higher the rank, the more the body was tattooed. In New Zealand, the face tattoo (ta moko) could only be worn by those of high rank, principally tribal chiefs. Maori women of rank had their chins and lips tattooed.

Polynesian tattooing is actually achieved by carving the skin and flesh with a sharp stick, an obviously very painful process. The buttocks and legs were frequently tattooed.

The colonizing British and Europeans brought with them Christian missionaries who considered tattooing "the devil's art". The missionaries successfully outlawed tatau and the art form almost died out. Fortunately the tattoos of the Maori at this time in New Zealand's early history were beautifully chronicled by the painter Charles F. Goldie. See some examples of Charles Goldie's paintings of New Zealand Maori with tattooed faces.

There has been a flourishing revival of traditional tattooing in New Zealand over the last 20 years.

Charles F Goldie
Memories: Ena Te Papatahi, a Chieftainess of the Ngapuhi Tribe, 1906
oil on canvas
Auckland Art Gallery

Artist: Charles (C.F.) Goldie
Title: All ‘e Same t’e Pakeha
Portrait of Te Aho-te-Rangi Wharepu, Ngati Mahuta also known as “A Good Joke”.

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