Stilt step "tapuva'e" ·  Marquesas Islands · ID: 3041885

Description

wood, brown patina, the upcurved shape supported by a stocky caryatid in the form of a “tiki”, grooved decor, slightly dam., cracks, base;
footrests such as this one were lashed to poles up to seven feet high.
Marquesan men performed on stilts both for entertainment and for ritual occasions, such as weddings, funerary ceremonies for chiefs and priests, and coming-of-age celebrations. Most performances were contests between opponents that took place on large public ceremonial platforms. Drums provided music for costumed dancers wearing feather head-dresses. Audiences placed wagers on races, mock battles, and other competitions.