Premium
Carved and painted rock images in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Author(s) -
Millerstrom Sidsel N.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
archaeology in oceania
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1834-4453
pISSN - 0728-4896
DOI - 10.1002/j.1834-4453.1997.tb00387.x
Subject(s) - archipelago , archaeology , prehistory , context (archaeology) , geology , geography , rock art
Marquesan prehistoric rock art, occurring throughout the island group, has not been systematically documented nor studied in detail. I discuss here the results of survey‐generated data in the archipelago compiled between 1984 and 1989, and my recent work in Hatiheu Valley, located on the north coast of Nuku Hiva. Classification system, method of manufacture, geographic distribution, architectural context and placement of motifs are described. Some broad conclusions are drawn as to the images' cultural significance.