THE POLYNESIAN LAND AND ITS CULTURE

During your long journey, we recommend immersing yourself in the Polynesian atmosphere by reading works by these celebrities who have drawn inspiration from Polynesian culture and convey their vision of contemporary Polynesia.

 Artists Inspired by Tahiti and Its Islands

Throughout the history of Tahiti and Its Islands, many authors, singers, artists, poets, and yachtsmen have stayed here.

These men and women are part of the historical heritage of Polynesia, and many have left traces testifying to their life in the islands. They were captivated by the charm, hospitality, and way of life in Polynesia. Each in their own way has contributed to promoting the fame of our islands worldwide.

  • Herman Melville (1819-1891), the American author and adventurer, was the first to use the South Seas as a setting for his literary works in "Typee" in 1846 and "Omoo" in 1847. Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), the French painter, began living in Tahiti in 1891 before moving to Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, where he lived for the last two years of his life. He is buried in Atuona Cemetery in Hiva Oa. The Paul Gauguin Museum in Pape'ete, Tahiti, and the Paul Gauguin Cultural Center in Hiva Oa offer a comprehensive overview of this nonconformist's life, along with reproductions of some of his works.
  • Pierre Loti (1850-1923), a French naval officer and author, published an autobiographical novel in 1879 during his stay in our islands titled "Rarahu, a Polynesian Idyll."
  • Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), the Scottish novelist, visited our islands aboard his yacht, Cosco, during his Pacific voyage in 1888. He later wrote "In the South Seas" in 1891.
  • James Norman Hall (1887-1951), the American author of "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "The Hurricane" (adapted for film), co-authored with Charles Nordhoff. You can visit the house where he lived, now transformed into a museum and listed as a historical monument (in the commune of Arue).
  • Rupert Brooke (1887-1915), the English poet, wrote the famous poem "Manea" in 1914 after visiting Tahiti.
  • Alain Gerbault (1893-1941), aviator and World War I hero, tennis champion, and solo yachtsman (the first Frenchman to complete a round-the-world voyage by sailboat), was a fervent defender of Polynesia. He wrote eight books condemning colonialism and the destruction of these paradise islands. Gerbault died of malaria in Timor in 1941. In 1947, his remains were brought back, and a commemorative plaque was erected in 1951 in Vaitape Square in Bora Bora.
  • Marlon Brando (1924-2004), American actor and director, bought Tetiaroa after completing the filming of "Mutiny on the Bounty" in 1961. He married his co-star Tarita Teriipaia, with whom he lived for ten years until 1972.
  • Bernard Moitessier (1925-1994), the French yachtsman and author, lived for about a dozen years in Tahiti and the Tuamotu Islands.
  • Jacques Brel (1929-1978), Belgian singer-songwriter and actor, retired with his partner to the Marquesas Islands at the end of a successful career aboard Askoy, his sailboat. He is buried in Atuona Cemetery. The small Jacques Brel Cultural Center in Hiva Oa recounts the singer's life in the Marquesas Islands. His song "Les Marquises" describes the simple lifestyle and strength of the inhabitants of "The Land of Men."
  • Joe Dassin (1938-1980), the French-American singer-songwriter, died in Tahiti. He lived in Taha'a, where he bought a luxurious beachfront villa between Toretorea Point and Tiamahana, accessible only by boat or on foot. A plaque at "Le Retro," a restaurant and bar in downtown Papeete, commemorates his death on August 20, 1980, from a heart attack.
  • Alain Colas (1943-1978), the French yachtsman, was the first to complete a solo round-the-world race in a multihull. He was lost at sea in 1978 during the Route du Rhum race.
  • Bobby Holcomb (1947-1991), poet, singer, musician, dancer, and painter, settled in Huahine in 1976, he is buried at the foot of the sacred mountain Mou'a Tapu in Huahine.

 Customs and Traditions

Polynesian culture is rooted in the mythical origins of the great sea explorers who settled in the islands over 3000 years ago.

This culture has been passed down from generation to generation through the sacred practice of oral transmission, allowing Polynesian culture to endure through the centuries. Often, the stories were on the verge of extinction, but each time, they managed to revive and renew themselves, reinforcing their power. According to this ancient tradition, today's singers perform the beautiful accents of these sacred or secular songs, while their echoes blend with the regular murmurs of the ocean washing over the coral reef. It is within this tradition that dancers find inspiration for their extravagant choreography. This tradition also inspires enthusiasts of va'a (traditional canoe) who have preserved and rediscovered the art of building and navigating the ocean and lagoons aboard these mythical vessels.

Polynesian Culture in Various Fields

Weaving

Weaving is an ancient craft among Polynesians, whether it be for mats, hats, handbags, roofs, or fans. All Polynesians possess this art. However, the Austral Archipelago is particularly expert in the matter, with astonishing detail. The tradition is to welcome guests with fragrant flower necklaces made by hand, immediately instilling a sense of trust after a long journey.

The guest can leave behind all tensions and be lulled by the Polynesian atmosphere.

Tattooing "Tattoo"

It is an art known worldwide, common throughout the Polynesian triangle but holding particular symbolism in the Marquesas, where each motif has a meaning, and each succession of motifs tells a story. It is often monochrome.

For women, it plays with seductive curves, taking the shape of a stingray, dolphin, turtle, flower, or arabesque. For men, the symbols are more massive and often include parents, children, origins, art, warrior tiki, etc.

Legends

Polynesian legends are numerous and resonate like siren songs that have fascinated many explorers.

The Diadem of Tahiti, the pierced mountain of Moorea, and Mount Aorai in Tahiti, which rises to 2066 meters, will not leave you indifferent in many ways.

Polynesian myths and legends stem from ancient beliefs and persist in the hearts of Polynesians, even if belief in the old gods is no longer alive.

Sculpture

Whether in stone, wood, bone, or mother-of-pearl, Polynesian, and particularly Marquesan, sculpture is of fascinating quality. Some sculptures appear to be alive. These works of art can be tiki, plates, carved paddles, turtles, sharks, jewelry, etc. They are closely related to tattoos as they use similar symbols.

Va'a

Va'a is the very essence of the Polynesian explorer. Even though it is mainly a sport or festive activity today, Va'a is very present in the Polynesian triangle. Tahitians are experts and regularly win world titles. They organize the second-largest va'a race in the world, "Hawaiki Nui," a real event. It is the most popular sport in French Polynesia. You can enjoy this moment if you come to have a Polynesian wedding on our islands.

The Museum of Tahiti and Its Islands

It retraces the history of the Polynesian people. It presents various instruments, tools, dance costumes, or chieftainship attire. There are also very precious sculptures. Whether visiting the permanent or temporary exhibition, the museum showcases contemporary Polynesian arts rich in creativity.

Polynesian Dances

Dance and Polynesian music are part of their DNA. Whenever the occasion arises, they listen to or play music and dance to the rhythm of the drums. It is the most expressive and visible form of their culture. They make it known worldwide, and it is very popular with the public. A major dance competition is held every June, "the Heiva." It brings together the largest amateur or professional groups, competing in techniques, costumes, songs, and rhythms to win the public's favor. This magnificent event, which brings together nearly 200 dancers per group on the same stage, is a must-see. The change of scenery is guaranteed.