Hand Shearing in Central Otago, New Zealand, c.1890s

This photograph captures the demanding craft of hand-blade sheep shearing in Central Otago during the late nineteenth century, a time when New Zealand’s wool industry was expanding rapidly but had not yet fully transitioned to mechanised shearing.

In the 1890s, many stations still relied on skilled hand-shearers using two-bladed steel shears, cutting the fleece with a scissor-like action. The work was intensely physical, placing great strain on the hands, wrists, and arms, yet experienced shearers could remove a fleece quickly and cleanly through years of practice. By this period, New Zealand shearers had perfected the distinctive “colonial style”, holding the sheep upright between the knees rather than tying its legs, a method that improved speed and animal control.

Although mechanical shearing machines began appearing in the late 1880s, they were not yet universal. Hand shearing remained common on many inland and southern stations, particularly in regions like Central Otago, where woolsheds were well established but machinery was slow to arrive. This image reflects a pivotal moment in rural labour history, when traditional skill and endurance still underpinned one of New Zealand’s most important industries.

Suitable for printing at A4, 7x5 or 6x4 sizes 

This image reflects real-life scenes from the period and is suitable for research, creative projects, or historical reference. 

Digital PDF download - The image is offered as a historical digital reproduction.

About this image

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