Site archeologique de Puamau, Archaeological site in Puamau, French Polynesia
The Iipona archaeological site spans two hectares with extensive terraces, stone carvings, and five monumental tikis arranged across multiple levels.
French archaeologists restored the site in 1991 during the third Marquesas Islands Arts Festival, preserving ancient structures from pre-European contact.
The Takaii tiki, standing at 2.67 meters, represents a warrior leader and demonstrates the advanced stone carving techniques of ancient Polynesians.
Visitors can access the site through a marked path 1,500 meters from Puamau village, with an entrance fee of 500 XPF payable at a local establishment.
The site contains 5,000 square meters of terraces made from volcanic tuff, featuring detailed petroglyphs that document Marquesan civilization.
Location: Hiva Oa
Address: 64H7+5G6, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia Hiva Oa Hiva Oa
GPS coordinates: -9.77210,-138.88623
Latest update: March 3, 2025 02:39
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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"Tikis sonrientes" siguiendo las indicaciones.
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