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Portfolios%20%3D%20%22391%22%20and%20Century%20%3D%20%2219th-20th%20Century%22%20and%20Sort_Artist%20%3D%20%22Marquesan%20artist%22
Woodwork
Stilt Step
Marquesan artist
Marquesan artist
French Polynesia
Primary
12 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. (31.8 x 7 x 9.6 cm)
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overall
overall
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with mount
overall
Wood
Wood
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Oceanic, Oceanic art (Pacific Islands)
Woodwork
Stilt steps such as this one were footrests for stilt walkers. They were lashed about two or three feet from the bottom of tall poles. Marquesan men performed on stilts for entertainment and ritual occasions. Accomplished stilt-walkers could perform somersaults and other acrobatics. Audiences placed wagers on races, mock battles and other competitions between opponents. The stocky figure is in the form of Tiki, known generally throughout Polynesia as the wise and potent creator of the human race. Shallow, carved lines recall the tattoos that beautify the bodies of Marquesan women and men.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1967.38
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/20/2001
67.38DI#1
digital image
Three-quarter
5/12/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/67.38_A1.jpg
67.38DI#2
digital image
Side
5/12/2009
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/67.38_A2.jpg