Tiki Figure
ClassificationsSculpture
Date19th Century or earlier
Made AtFrench Polynesia, France
MediumStone
Dimensions18 × 4 1/2 × 6 in. (45.7 × 11.4 × 15.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Kristine Moe Shelton and Olise M. Mandat
Object number98.84.9
DescriptionLarge ceremonial complexes in the Marquesas Islands serve both religious and secular purposes, and consist of stone walls, terraces, and platformed structures. In sacred areas called me'ae, anthropomorphic stone figures such as this one made of red volcanic stone were placed in different parts of the complex, or in a high-roofed house used by the priest, and were used in religious ceremonies during which the gods were honored and consulted. They served to heal the sick and as offerings to the god they invoked. This particular sculpture was collected from Nuku Hiva Island on September 17, 1936 by Fred E. Lewis, Fred Moe Sr., and Fred Moe Jr. during a trip around Polynesia in Lewis' motorship called "M. S. Stranger".On View
On view
19th Century
18th Century
