ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES |
Archaeologie in Marquesas Island |
The first scientific archaeological works studied in the Marquises date back to 1956 with the expedition of the H.L.Shapiro followed by the studies of R.C. Suggs in 1957- 1958. These studies were confined and studied in Nuku Hiva where it was revealed that there were 49 sites and 15 were studied in detail. |
Dating back as far as possible, it is thought that the sites go back to 150 BC . (But these dates may vary). |
|
Since the discovery of pottery in several
Marquesan Sites, it is thought that it came from Fiji,
Samoa and Tonga as replicas were found in these parts. Some
of the first settlers bought pottery with them, some of
which was made in Fiji. Pottery has been found in Nuku
Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Huka. |
The pottery has characteristics of the Lapita
culture, which, is considered to be the ancestral culture
of the Polynesian people. |
|
The archaeological history in certain areas in the
Marquesas (like in many areas) has unfortunately left sad
memories with the locals. Thief and lack of respect of these sacred sites and burial grounds by scientific researchers cannot be excused. |
FACTS FOR THE VISITOR |
For the visitors who trek through the Marquesan
Valleys they will not be surprised to find amongst the
dense vegetation, several of the famous 'PAEPAE HIAMOE' -
these are platforms of stone blocks, on which the hae or
fae (dwellings) were built of plant matter. The pae pae
is divided into two parts. 'le pavé ou l'on dort' is the
back section, which was covered and slightly raised,
served as a sleeping area. The front part was reserved
for daily activites, cooking, working area and a shelter.
|
|
he ME'AE ( Marae in Tahitian) are religious sites built from basalt blocks placed side by side and piled up. The Me'ae was a place of worship, burial and offerings. Generally found in the valleys and away from secular places, it was the the sacred precinct par excellence and strictly 'tapu' (sacred or forbidden). Particular trees and rocks are an integral part of the Me'ae, their shadows are also thought of as sacred. Generally the Me'ae was built by the majestic banyan trees. | |
|
Illustrations : Pétroglyphe de
Teiipoka, Hatiheu Valley- Nuku Hiva. Tiki of Hatiheu, tohua de Hikokua Some lodge of Nuku Hiva by L. Lebreton who come in Marquesas in1838 with Dumont D'Urville. Marquesas Home Site of Kamuihei in Hatiheu By the festival 2000. Here a ha'etoa |
![]() |
Copyright 1999 "Image Sud" | e-mail : imagesud@yahoo.fr |