Figure with Tongan dress

Although the four major eastern Polynesian gods were male, there were also female atua (gods or spirits). Papa, the Earth Mother, was particularly significant.


This standing figure from the Society Islands is female and incorporates valuable and rare materials, such as feathered basketry and European nails, which suggests that it may represent an important female atua.

The fibre, feathered basketry and shell garments are from the western Polynesian islands of Tonga, around 1700 miles (almost 3,000 km) away. When Captain Cook's ships arrived in the Society Islands on his second and third voyages, the Tongan feathered basketry they were carrying on board was much sought after by the islanders. It is thought the garments on the figure might have come from this source. One small feather remains on its cap.