Polynesian culture

Polynesian culture is fascinating.  On our island hikes in the Marquesas, Tuomotos and Society Islands we have discovered ancient archeological ruins such as Marae's which are sacred sites for religious and ceremonial gatherings.  We have found stone walls, bridges, foundations, and platforms.  Some of the platforms were used for human sacrifices!  We have seen many flat stones that were used for grinding and sharpening tools.  The Tiki's are stone or wooden carvings of human-like gods with mythological significance. Their eyes are like aliens!

The Polynesians populated this part of the Pacific 1000-2000 years ago having sailed large outrigger canoes against the wind from Asia.  It's amazing how for centuries the Polynesians had the technology to sail into the wind considering European yacht design progressed to windward sailing in the 1800's!  Here are some pics showing what we have seen and done in French Polynesia...

A pit used for fermenting breadfruit

Alien Tiki

Cannibalism was practised - heads in a pot

Marquesan totem pole

Sonia with old grinding stones in the church wall

Turtle carving

A sacrificial altar

Traditional hut image carved into the end of a tree

Marquesan symbols

The Marquesas was rich in fruit - here we are celebrating with other kid boats

Laurie getting tattooed in Nuku Hiva

Paddling goddess on the wall of the local outrigger canoe club

Fishing outriggers covered with corrugated iron sheets

Laurie's reading material