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.
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