Tikis souriant suivre les indications, Stone carvings in Atuona, French Polynesia
The Smiling Tikis consist of multiple stone figures carved with distinct expressions, positioned near walking paths in the Marquesas Islands terrain.
These tikis date back several centuries and represent the spiritual practices of ancient Polynesians who inhabited the Marquesas Islands before European contact.
The stone sculptures demonstrate traditional Marquesan carving techniques, with each figure displaying characteristic large heads and folded arms across their bodies.
Visitors can reach the tikis by following marked trails from Atuona, with local guides available to explain their historical context and significance.
The Smiling Tikis retain their original six-fingered hands, a rare feature among Polynesian sculptures that survived colonial periods.
Location: Atuona
Location: Hiva Oa
Address: 6X5R+F7V, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia Hiva Oa Hiva Oa
GPS coordinates: -9.79161,-139.00972
Latest update: March 3, 2025 23:29
The Marquesas Islands are characterized by volcanic formations that shape landscapes marked by rocky peaks, ancient calderas, and basalt cliffs. Deep bays like those of Taiohae or the Virgins cut through the coasts, while black sand beaches reflect the archipelago's geological origins. The island interior reveals valleys, waterfalls, and reliefs reaching up to 1200 meters in altitude. Marquesian cultural heritage is evident through preserved archaeological sites in the Taipivai valley, where ceremonial platforms and petroglyphs carved into rock still exist. The Puamau tiki statues, carved from volcanic stone, are among the largest Polynesian sculptures. Museums in Atuona and Ua Huka hold collections that document traditional life, while the Gauguin Cultural Center and the Jacques Brel Space trace the careers of these two artists who spent their final days in the archipelago. The Taiohae Cathedral blends European architecture with local sculpted motifs, illustrating the cultural exchanges that have shaped the islands' history.
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