Image: Raveae saves his life from the idolaters

Description: A scene from the Battle of Te Feipī, November 12, 1815. Raveae saves his life from the idolaters and death of Upufara [1]: Depicting Raveae killing an assailant from behind, who was trying to avenge the death of Upufara, the leader of the pagan Tahitian force. The scene is explained on Page 150: One of Mahine's men, Raveae, pierced the body of Upufara, the chief of Papara, and the commander-in-chief of the idolatrous forces. The wounded warrior fell, and shortly afterwards expired. As he sat gasping on the sand, his friends gathered round, and endeavoured to stop the bleeding of the wound, and afford every assistance his circumstances appeared to require. “Leave me,” said the dying warrior; “mark yonder man, in front of Mahine's ranks; he inflicted this wound; on him revenge my death.” Two or three athletic men instantly set off for that purpose. Raveae was retiring towards the main body of Mahine's men, when one of the idolaters, who had outrun his companions, sprang upon him before he was aware of his approach. Unable to throw him on the sand, he cast his arms around his neck, and endeavoured to strangle, or at least to secure his prey, until some of his companions should arrive, and despatch him. Raveae was armed with a short musket, which he had reloaded since wounding the chief; of this, it is supposed, the man who held him was unconscious. Extending his arms forward, Raveae passed the muzzle of his musket under his own arm, suddenly turned his body on one side, and, pulling the trigger of his piece at the same instant, shot his antagonist through the body, who immediately lost hold of his prey, and fell dying to the ground.
Title: Raveae saves his life from the idolaters
Credit: File:Polynesian researches2.jpg & William Ellis (1833) Polynesian researches, during a residence of nearly six years in the South Sea Islands, Volume 2, Fisher, Son & Jackson
Author: Henry Corbould, artist Illman & Pilbrow, engraver
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No