The island of Mo‘orea, located in French Polynesia, is not only a place of breathtaking natural beauty but also a site of significant historical and cultural importance. Among its most intriguing aspects are the marae, ancient stone structures that offer a glimpse into the island’s past. These structures, which sometimes span up to 4,000 square feet, were central to the religious, social, and political life of the Maohi, Mo‘orea’s original settlers.
The Tiki Statues of Hiva Oa
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.
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.
Gokstad Ship Burial
The Gokstad Mound, located at Gokstad Farm in Sandefjord, Vestfold County, Norway, represents one of the most significant archaeological finds from the Viking Age. Known also as the King’s Mound (Kongshaugen), this site gained international prominence following the discovery of the 9th-century Gokstad Ship, a remarkable example of Scandinavian shipbuilding and burial practices of the era.
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.