Marquesas 2013
History. Culture. Discovery
Over the course of a few weeks the PIRI team conducted an extensive survey across Hatiheu and other islands in the Marquesas archipelago documenting petroglyphs and several tikis
The Search
The PIRI team found that petroglyphs are hidden everywhere around the islands. Generally they are located around major waterways in the most fertile parts of the valleys with the largest concentrations around ceremonial structures. Here team member Alexandra Edwards is recording geometric petroglyphs at Kahuvai, Nuku Hiva.
Petroglyphs
Light-painted petroglyphs on a boulder at Tohua Kamuihei, Nuku Hiva. 65% of petroglyphs in the Marquesas are of geometric or non-representational design. Among the more common representational rock art the team observed are the zoomorphic animal depictions. Common ones are pelagic fish, dolphins, turtles, octopus, and dogs.
The team with The Explorers Club Flag #83 and Wings Worldquest Flag #25 at Me’ae Oipona on Hiva Oa (not pictured Alexandra Edwards, Linda Alexander)
Left to Right: James Alexander, Tamara “TJ” DiCaprio, Alexander Wallace, Julie Wallace, Brian P. Hanson, Edmundo Edwards, Becky Cox, Captain Lynn Danaher