Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0147-0515   CAS 0147-0515; Ornament
Category Carvings
Object Name Ornament
Culture Polynesian: Marquesan
Global Region Oceania
Country Marquesas Islands
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data unknown
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture mid to late 1800s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Bone (human?)
Description Ornament carved from hollowed tubular section of human (?) bone in the form of a tiki, with a characteristic large head and eyes and with its hands holding its stomach; Ornaments such as this were often carved from the bones of a relative and then tied to a drum or some other article for decorative purposes, but more importantly, to honor the ancestor and draw upon his or her powers.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 3.9, Width = 2.7, Length = 2.2