Upeke, Archaeological site in Taaoa Valley at Hiva Oa, French Polynesia.
The Upeke ceremonial center features a large 50-meter courtyard surrounded by stone platforms and terraces for tribal ceremonies.
Ralph Linton discovered the site in 1925, and the Archaeological Department of Tahiti conducted a complete restoration in 1991.
The various platforms within the site reflect Polynesian social hierarchy with designated spaces for chiefs, warriors, and sacrificial ceremonies.
The archaeological complex offers free admission throughout the year and includes parking facilities for visitors.
A gray stone tiki measuring 1.30 meters in height stands on an elevated platform in the northern section of the site.
Location: Atuona
Location: Hiva Oa
Address: 5WCG+WMR Hiva Oa, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia
GPS coordinates: -9.82775,-139.07351
Latest update: March 18, 2025 15:12
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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