NOTE: This is part five of a thirteen part article. Enjoy!!!
Part V – Polynesian History (1595 – Present)
Mape Trees - Marquesan jungle
Today, French Polynesians are called Màohi, their proper name. In New Zealand they are called Maoris. Polynesians as a group inhabit a triangle shaped area of the South Pacific stretching from Hawaii, New Zealand, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. The Polynesian triangle is the birth place of tribal tattoo. Tattoos from each area are similar in scope; cultural significance, application technique, and importance as a visual art form. However, there is regional variation in specific tribal tattoo art. Once again, the shear distance between island groups gave similar societies the ability to develop unique cultural diversity. This separation also provided variation in the next dramatic stage of Polynesian history, the European invasion.
I do not have pictures of the European invasion (no, I do not mean the Beatles!!!!). But I do have pictures of ancient religious sites.
Religious Site (Marae) - Marquesan jungle
European explorers began visiting Polynesia around 1595. The Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendena, looking for King Soloman’s gold on behalf of the viceroy of Peru was the first non-indigenous person to visit the Marquesas. He named the tropical island Las Marquesas de Mendoco after his benefactor, the Marquis de Canete, governor of Peru.
Massive foreboding Tike guard Marae Paeke
All of the explorers represented different countries and their expeditions had various causes. Just like today, an expedition requires investment money and investors expect results. Unfortunately, the result in Polynesia was largely the same, the ultimate, brutal wholesale elimination of a culture. The scenario played slightly differently from island group to island group. However, nowhere was it worse than in the Marquesas. By 1923 the Marquesan population, once 90,000 strong, had fallen to 2000. Tragically, along with the loss of Polynesian lives, all remembrance of their ancient Polynesian culture had been erased.
Tiki at Tahiti s Marae Arahurahu Park
Between 1695 and the present there have been countless non-indigenous visitors to Polynesia, including myself. Everyone who visits has some impact; good and bad.
NEVER engage the gaze of a Tiki. I think the tourists thought this was the friendly Tiki!
Gumby of the Jungle - Tahiti s Marae Arahurahu Park
Historical figures made their mark by helping eliminate Polynesian culture, later individuals helped illuminate Polynesian culture thru documentation or written novel, today the important work continues as evidenced by the rebirth of Polynesian culture.
More to follow, Part VI is on its way. Suzan
