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Ceremony of Ducking and Shaving

Publisher Maurice Jones

Date1810

Object number00009095

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 77 x 144 mm
Display Dimensions: 132 x 213 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionHand coloured engraving titled 'Ceremony of Ducking & Shaving', depicting a crewman being held down at centre about to be shaved on his first crossing of the Equator while Neptune and his wife Amphitrite look on laughing. Beneath the title is the publication details 'Published May 1 - 1810, by M. Jones'. Plate facing p.89 of the 1810 edition of 'An Account of a Voyage to New South Wales' attributed to George Barrington. A later handwritten inscription in lead pencil along the left side of the sheet reads 'Ceremony of Crossing the Equator (published in Barrington's "Voyage to NSW")'.HistoryThe description of the ceremony in 'An Account of A Voyage to New South Wales' begins: 'We then shaped our course to the Southward, and as we crossed the Equinoctial Line, the ceremony of ducking and shaving was punctually observed: at noon, a hoarse voice hailed the ship, as from the sea..."The ALBERMARLE" "I don't recollect her passing this way before - I shall come on board and examine her." upon which half a dozen most grotesque figures entered the ship...the principal personages were Neptune and Amphitrite, attended by their nymphs and neriads...After receiving a double toll from the captain, it being the first time of the ship's crossing the line, consisting of a half gallon of liquor, and two pounds of sugar, they in turn questioned every person on deck'. Those who could not or would not pay the fine where then ducked three times into the sea from the main yard arm or shaved roughly using filthy water into which they would fall during the struggle.SignificanceAlthough spurious, this book reflects the story an infamous individual in both London and Australia and highlights the early European impressions of the new colony and the great interest that existed back in England about the new colony.