Tiki, Tohua Upeke, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands

Carved stone tiki sculpture with large eyes and mouth, found in the location of the altar where human sacrifices would have been made, at the meae or religious sanctuary of Tohua Upeke, in the Ta'a Oa valley, 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 Sacrifice Sacrificial Sanctuary Tiki Tohua Tuff Volcanic

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