Smiling Tiki, Utukua, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands

Smiling Tiki, stone carved male tiki sculpture with smiling face, 93cm tall, wearing a bonnet, with facial features and tattoos in relief and hands on the belly, at the meae or religious sanctuary of Utukua, on the island of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Tiki sculptures represent Ti'i, a half-human half-god ancestor who is believed to be the first man. Tiki often have a huge head, symbolising power, and big eyes symbolising knowledge. Tiki are respected and are often placed outside houses as protective statues. Picture by Manuel Cohen

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Ancestor Collectivite Collectivity Doutre-mer Francaise Hiva Hiva-oa Keetu Marquesan Marquesas Marquesian Marquises Meae Oceania Polynesia Polynesie Republique Sanctuary Tiki Tuff Volcanic

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