Polynesians from Marquesas practiced human sacrifice. It was a rare event and always performed during major ceremonies. Giving sacrifices to the gods was a form of asking for favors and help in the matters important to the whole community, but also to celebrate big events.
In Hatiheu on Nuku Hiva, we visited archeological site where such events actually took place. This is a huge ancient complex (Kamuihei, Tahakia, and Teiipoka) with many reconstructed platforms and marae (traditional temples). While strolling there, we found paepae (house platforms), tohua (communal platforms), stone tiki and rectangular ua ma or storage pits, where local delicacy, fermented breadfruit paste was stored. The most interesting are boulders with petroglyphs. Decorations depict human figures, turtles, fish, and many more. Marquesans especially liked circles in art, from big round eyes of their tiki figures to petroglyphs, where round symbols appear everywhere.
