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In the perfectly structured ancient Polynesian society, master craftsmen (Tuhuna), like high priests (Tahu’a),belongs to the highest social class, after the great chiefs (Arii). As holders of knowledge of science and tradition,master craftsmen have the sacred gift called “mana”. So during important ceremonies, Polynesian chiefs, queens and priests wear their most beautiful adornments crafted by the “Tuhuna” with an almost divine hand. Adornments,diadems and jewellery items are filled with “mana” (sacred power) and symbols of belonging to a higher-ranking class. Various materials were used: fine plant-fibre braids,rooster feathers, boar teeth and tusks, and shells. And for even more precious items: braids from human hair or old men’s beards, bones, tortoise shells, mother-of-pearl, bird feathers, dolphin teeth and sperm whale teeth.
“Pa’e Kea” Crown with tortoise shell and shells on coconut fibre braid. This Marquesan headdress is the most important one from the 19th century. This is a model which is pass on as an inheritance from an illustrious ancestor to the younger generation. “Pavahina” Bunch of old man’s beard hair, worn on its own or on top of the “Pa’e Kea” crown. The young use to highly value that talisman adornment. It could be wear by men and women alike, but mainly at war by great chiefs.
“Peue Kavi’i” Marquesan crescent-shaped adornment made of dark blue rooster feathers with a metallic sheen. It is worn in pairs of two elements, laid down symmetrically and in an inclined way from the middle of the head, just
above the temples. The braided cords end in sperm whale tooth pendants hanging down the back of the neck.
“Hei Ku’a” Great chief or warrior diadem made of long red and orange rooster feathers, with green hues sometimes, coming from the rooster’s breast and back flight feathers.One thousand 6 inch-long feathers are needed to make it.
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| Unit price: 350 FCFP (2,93 €) |
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