manuel cohen

Tiki, Tohua Upeke, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Carved stone tiki sculpture with large eyes and mouth, found in the location of the altar where human sacrifices would have been made, at the meae or religious sanctuary of Tohua Upeke, in the Ta'a Oa valley, on the island of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Tiki sculptures represent Ti’i, a half-human half-god ancestor who is believed to be the first man. Tiki often have a huge head, symbolising power, and big eyes symbolising knowledge. Tiki are respected and are often placed outside houses as protective statues. Picture by Manuel Cohen

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Filename: LC17_POLYNESIA_MC_094.jpg
Image Size: 7087x4731 / 12.6MB; www.manuelcohen.com; altar ancestor archaeological archaeology archeological archeology carved collectivite d'outre-mer de la Republique francaise color colour COM day exterior French Polynesia French territory heritage history Hiva Hoa Hiva Oa Hiva-Oa horizontal human sacrifice image island keetu Marquesan Marquesan civilisation Marquesas Islands Marquesian Marquesian civilisation Marquises meae morning Oceania outdoors outside overseas collectivity Pacific island Pacific Ocean Polynesia Polynesie Polynesie Francaise protection religion religious sacrifice sacrificial altar sanctuary sculpture site statue stone Ta'a Oa ti'i tiki Tohua Upeke volcanic tuff
Contained in galleries: Polynesia, Oceania

Carved stone tiki sculpture with large eyes and mouth, found in the location of the altar where human sacrifices would have been made, at the meae or religious sanctuary of Tohua Upeke, in the Ta'a Oa valley, on the island of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Tiki sculptures represent Ti’i, a half-human half-god ancestor who is believed to be the first man. Tiki often have a huge head, symbolising power, and big eyes symbolising knowledge. Tiki are respected and are often placed outside houses as protective statues. Picture by Manuel Cohen