Landmark· Mataiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Marae Papiro and Tu Paure's Stone Chair (Mataiva)

14° 53.7′ S · 148° 39.1′ W

One of the most important archaeological sites in the Tuamotus: a coral-block ceremonial marae on the far side of the atoll from the pass, with a stone 'throne' from which the legendary giant king Tu Paure is said to have watched for enemies.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Coordinate from the Tahiti Heritage map pin. The marae has eight structures oriented south-east to north-west; the largest is about 16.7 m by 8.8 m. Nearby is a stone chair over 1 m high with a broken backrest and two armrests. The site was the main village until 1906 and sits where four hoa link lagoon and ocean (Tahiti Heritage). Wikipedia links it to a pre-Christian turtle cult. Reached overland from Pahua by bike or 4x4, or by boat across the lagoon; go with a local guide and do not climb on the structures.

Best for

Polynesian archaeology on a remote atoll

Nearby