Tiki Pauto, in red keetu or volcanic tuff, carved into a small paepae or platform of a tomb, 80cm tall, with crowned and patterned head, tattooed mouth, pierced right armpit, hands on either side of the belly, and male genitalia, on the tomb of the daughter of the chief, at Tohua Pehekua, a small cemetery with 4 tombs of chief Te Hau Moea and his family, who died in the early 20th century, near the Iipona archaeological site, near the village of Puamau, on the island of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Tiki sculptures are usually carved in wood or stone and 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 or tombs as protective statues. Picture by Manuel Cohen
Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download