The tiki and bowl in the photo are the works of master carver, Joseph Vaitete of Ua Huka, one of the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. Ancient Marquesan art had all but disappeared from the islands to museums and private collections, and Joseph was commissioned to reproduce some of wooden artwork from photos in books and journals. He produced museum quality, full sized replicas which are now on display at the Musee Te Tumu on Ua Huka. He also produced similar quality items for sale to visitors.
We purchased these masterpieces nearly 12 years ago from Joseph at a museum store on the island. He seemed rightly proud of his work and happy that we had showed such interest. I will never forget the large, kindly Polynesian man holding his toddler grandchild and smiling for the camera.
We returned four years later and once more got to visit with him through an interpreter. We thanked again him for the carvings that we had purchased and wished him well. It is unlikely that we will be able return there again, but thinking of our past visits always brings a smile and sometimes a longing for the islands. We have been deeply touched by these brief encounters with a person of such stature and kindness, and will cherish his handiworks for the rest of our lives.
#uahuka #MuseeTeTumu #polynesia #josephvaitete
Eskildoodle Photos and Feelings 