The Marquesas Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are part of French Polynesia. Among these islands, Hiva Oa stands out for its archaeological significance, particularly due to the presence of ancient tiki statues. These statues offer a window into the pre-European culture of the Marquesan people, providing insights into their religious beliefs, social structure, and artistic practices.
Historical Places
Marae Taputapuatea
Marae Taputapuatea, located on the southeastern coast of Raiatea in French Polynesia, stands as a monumental testament to the religious and political significance of Eastern Polynesian culture. This marae complex, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, serves as a crucial link to understanding the traditional practices and beliefs of the Eastern Polynesian people.
Statue of Ahimsa
The Statue of Ahimsa, located at Mangi-Tungi, Nashik, Maharashtra, stands as a testament to the spiritual and artistic aspirations of the Jain community. This colossal statue, dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest Jain statue in the world. The statue, including its pedestal, reaches a height of 121 feet (37 m), with the figure itself measuring 108 feet (33 m). Carved directly out of the sacred Mangi-Tungi hills, this monumental sculpture not only represents a significant religious icon but also a remarkable feat of engineering and artistry.
Gommateshwara statue
The Gommateshwara statue stands as a monumental testament to the Jain religion and its values. Located on Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanbelagola, Karnataka, India, this 57-foot (17 m) high monolithic statue is carved from a single block of granite, making it one of the tallest monolithic statues from the ancient world. The statue is dedicated to Bahubali, a revered figure in Jainism, and symbolizes the Jain ideals of peace, non-violence, sacrifice, and simple living.
Mausoleum of Theodoric
The Mausoleum of Theodoric is a remarkable architectural feat from the early 6th century. It stands as a testament to the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great. Located in Ravenna, Italy, this structure is unique for its combination of Roman and Gothic elements. The mausoleum is particularly famous for its massive roof stone, which is a single piece of Istrian limestone weighing around 230 tons. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, reflecting its historical and architectural significance.
Huápoca
Huápoca, an archaeological site of considerable importance, is situated 36 kilometers west of Ciudad Madera, within the Huápoca Canyon area in the northwest of Chihuahua, Mexico. This region is renowned for its rich archaeological heritage, featuring approximately 150 sites scattered across its cliffs, many of which are in various states of preservation. Despite some suffering from neglect and vandalism, these sites offer invaluable insights into the ancient cultures of the area.