Art & History of New Zealand

The Art & History of New Zealand is unique as well as attractive for a large number of people who are interested in the culture and history of a place. The art & history of New Zealand is also known to be very informative about the tradition as well as the culture of the country. This is one of the aspects which will help you know more about the country as well as its people. You will also come to know all about the large number of interesting facts as well as about the country. The history of New Zealand is very interesting when we are speaking about the art & history of New Zealand.

New Zealand is one of the countries which is one of the recently developed countries which was first inhabited by the Eastern Polynesians. This was during the 800 AD and 1300 AD. A distinct and unique culture developed here which is known as the Maori Culture.

They are further divided into the Hapu Tribe which are known to fight among themselves as well as compete amongst each other. Later on some people also inhabited the Chatham island which has also become a center of the Maori culture. The Europeans first visited this island in the year 1642. In this year Abel Janszoon Tasman visited this place. Later on James Cook also visited this place in the year 1768 – 71. This country became popular because of the whaling, sealing as well as for trading ships. This is also one of those countries which became famous for potatoes, musket, metal tools, weapons and various other things.
The British government started dominating this country in the year 1840. Auckland was declared the capital city in the year 1841. Presently the government of New Zealand is known to be a constitutional monarchy along with parliamentary monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the state and Helen Clarke is the Prime Minister of the country.

The museums in New Zealand are one of the best ways of knowing more about the art & history of New Zealand. This is one of the places which will offer you lot of information about the art of New Zealand. The art of New Zealand does not only mean the paintings, but it also means a huge collection of the pottery as well as ceramics. The paintings in New Zealand are made of water colors as well as oils. You will find landscape paintings as well as prints. You will also find a huge collection of pottery and ceramics in the museums. You will also find a large collection of sculptures as well as aboriginal ornaments and tile. You will also find a lot of wall hangings, vases and urns as well as platter and bowls. Other than this, some of the different types of art forms available in New Zealand includes hand blown glass art, garden art and sculpture, wood art, leather work, Pacific art and traditional as well as contemporary Maori art and carving.