concept

Two pairs of men fighting in combat, watched by a  crowd, on the island of Lifuka, Tonga, May 1777, in honour of Captain Cook. Engraving by J. Heath, 1784, after J. Webber.

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Shop

Café

We're experiencing some technical problems in the library today. 

If you’re visiting us, you won’t be able to print or use our PCs or laptops. If you want to sign-up for a free library membership, we’ll give you a temporary card for today and complete your membership next time you visit.

You can access items from the collection as usual and our team is on hand to help. Thank you for your patience while we resolve these issues. 

We're running paid user research studies to improve Wellcome Collection online

Combat sports

Images from the collections

Images referencing Combat sports

Works from the collections

Two pairs of men fighting in combat, watched by a crowd, on the island of Lifuka, Tonga, May 1777, in honour of Captain Cook. Engraving by J. Heath, 1784, after J. Webber.