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Kea Kua Art
Gallery Museum
Experience
A sanctuary dedicated to Polynesian art, where history and legends come together to tell the story of the soul of the archipelagos of French Polynesia: the Marquesas, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Gambiers and the Australs. Here, every sculpture and every work of art is a gateway to Polynesia’s ancestral traditions and stories.
Marquesas Islands
The Marquesas, an isolated archipelago in the heart of the Pacific, is a place where the gods and ancestors live on through wood and stone sculptures.
Marquesan craftsmen, heirs to a thousand years of know-how, perpetuate the techniques and motifs that tell the story of their people.
Each work is imbued with the legends of Tiki, the creator god, and the spirits that inhabit these sacred islands.
The Australs
The Austral Islands, in southern Polynesia, are famous for their traditional textiles and wood carvings.
Australe artisans use weaving techniques handed down from generation to generation to create tapa (beaten bark cloth) and pa’ari (baskets).
Local legends tell the story of Rata, a cultural hero whose exploits are immortalized in sculptures and oral histories.
The Society Islands
The Society Islands, including Tahiti and Bora Bora, are often considered the beating heart of Polynesia.
Here, art reflects the rich interaction between Polynesian and European cultures.
Sculptures and paintings illustrate the stories of Oro, the god of war and fertility, and the ritual practices of the ancient temples, or marae.
Traditional dances, the ‘ori tahiti, are also a performative art form illustrated in the works on display.
The Tuamotus
The Tuamotus, a vast archipelago of coral atolls, are famous for their pearls and ancestral fishing techniques.
Works of art here reflect a symbiosis with the sea, using natural materials such as shells and coral.
The motifs of the tattoos and sculptures recount the legends of Tangaroa, the god of the sea, and the ancestors who sailed these infinite waters.
The Gambiers
The Gambier Islands, on the outskirts of French Polynesia, are an important spiritual center.
Sculptures and works of art here are deeply influenced by the Christian traditions introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, while retaining a strong Polynesian imprint.
Stone churches and carved crucifixes bear witness to this unique fusion of cultures and beliefs.
Ancestral Sculptures
At the center of the gallery, you’ll discover majestic tikis—sacred statues embodying protective spirits. Each tiki is unique, carved with intricate patterns representing:
- Mythological figures
- Totem animals
- Symbols of protection
According to legend, these tikis were placed in front of houses to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity. Each archipelago has its own variation of tikis, with distinct styles and motifs reflecting their unique environment and history.
Customs and Rituals
The Marquesas are also known for their tattoos, a form of body art that tells the story of the wearer’s life. Tattoo motifs, often found in sculptures, are visual testimonies to bravery, exploits and ancestral lineages. According to legend, the designs were inspired by the gods themselves, passed on to humans so they could honor their ancestors and the spirits of nature. Each archipelago has its own motifs and meanings, reflecting their unique histories and beliefs.
Living Legends
One of the most captivating legends is the origin of the Marquesas:
"It is said that the archipelago was created by the god Tiki, who sculpted the islands from the bones of his ancestors."
These islands are sacred, and every mountain and valley reflects a divinity or ancestral spirit. Marquesan artists often incorporate these legends into their work, using shapes and symbols to represent these mythical entities. Each archipelago has its own origin stories, such as Tahiti Nui for the Society Islands, or the stories of the great navigators of the Tuamotus.
The Kea Kua Art Experience
Visiting Kea Kua Art is much more than contemplating works of art: it’s immersing yourself in a world where each piece tells a story. Enjoy :
- Sculpture workshops and tattoo demonstrations: Understand and appreciate the depth of this cultural heritage.
- Traditional dance performances and sacred chants: experience the essence of Polynesian customs.
- Cultural ceremonies: immerse yourself in the traditions and legends of the Marquesas and other archipelagos.
Kea Kua Art is not just a gallery; it’s a journey through time, an immersion into the soul of a proud and mystical people.
Guided Tour and Workshops
To enrich your experience, Kea Kua Art offers :
- Guided tours: Learn the fascinating stories behind each piece of art.
- Sculpture and tattoo workshops: Learn traditional techniques and create your own Marquesan souvenir or one from another archipelago.
Where the art and history of French Polynesia’s five archipelagos come to life.