Tohua de Temehea, Ceremonial square in Taiohae, French Polynesia
Description
Tohua de Temehea is a ceremonial square with stone platforms in the center of Taiohae, located near the Pacific shore. The site consists of several raised structures and open spaces that once served as a gathering area for rituals and community activities.
History
This site dates back to pre-contact times and served as an important gathering place for Marquesas communities. Major ceremonies and community meetings that shaped island life took place within these stone structures.
Culture
The carvings in stone here reflect the artistic knowledge of ancient Polynesian societies. You can see how the community once organized ceremonies and gatherings through the arrangement of these structures.
Practical
The square is accessible year-round and walkable from central Taiohae. Local guides can provide information about the structures and their historical significance.
Did you know?
The arrangement of the structures reveals the hierarchical nature of Marquesas society through differences in platform size and elevation. These variations suggest how social roles and status were expressed through spatial organization.
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