Stilt-step (Tapuva'e)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-stilt steps

Date20th Century

Made AtFrench Polynesia, France

MediumIronwood

Dimensions14 × 3 × 5 in. (35.6 × 7.6 × 12.7 cm)

Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase

Object numberF81.1.1

DescriptionThe up-curved shape of this single stilt-step is supported by a figure central to Marquesan art. Men in the Marquesas Islands often performed on stilts for both ritual and entertainment. Footrests such as this one would be attached to a pole measuring up to seven feet high. Many of these performances were actual contests between men who would compete on stilts in races and in mock battles that tested both their physical and spiritual strength.

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