Arts and Crafts

In ancient times, when a hand-crafted object was going to be created, it was the task of the ceremonial priests to link it to it's traditional predecessors.
All work was a community enterprise, and the quality of the finished product, the choice of materials, and it's esthetic values brought a certain renown to these creations.
The search for perfection guided the master craftsmen until the 19th century, when the decline of their culture combined with western influences to modify their conception of work.
Little by little the handcrafted object lost it's former meaning, value and importance. A certain specialization existed among the islands.

Stone adzes for example , came from the island of Eiao, today deserted; human head pounders from Ua Huka; oyster shell and mother of pearl fibre diadems from Hiva Oa; dolphin tooth ornaments from Ua Pou; feather head-dresses from Nuku Hiva; and wooden carvings from Fatu Hiva.


couple of high rank

Some of the marquesan arts have survived and continue to combine a great creativity and fine craftsmanship.

Amongst them are tatooing,
wood carving,
stone carving and tapa making.

The making of
head ornaments
was prosperous.

Today's making of scented necklaces bears vibrant witness to this ancient craft.The Combination of odours and colours are infinite with the use of tiare flowers; ylang- ylang Blossoms ; sandal wood ; pandanus and aromatic plants.
They expressed themselves through magnificent objects Transmitted from generation to generation.
Among the ancient body ornaments are various kinds of headdresses: the ta'avaha is made from rooster tail feathers; the uhikana is a mother of pearl disc with tortoise shell attached to a headband of braided fibres; the paekaha which resembles a crown made from scales. Women wore headbands made from tapa, necklaces and pendants of mother of pearl, seashells, bones or whaleteeth.

 


The art of headdresses today
ARTS AND CRAFT
Tatooing
Carving
Tapa
The Artisans

 

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