Atua: Sacred Gods from Polynesia

Atua: Sacred Gods from Polynesia

The Polynesian concept of atua â€• of gods, figurative objects and associated beliefs â€• developed over thousands of years and spread throughout the region. The superb examples of sculpture illustrated in this volume provide an island-by-island insight into this rich and intriguing heritage. Intrepid seafarers first discovered Polynesia 3000 years ago and, gradually, the region came to be inhabited by the communities established by these explorers. Across central and eastern Polynesia, from the Cook, Austral, Society and Marquesas islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, Tahiti, Rapa Nui, the Hawaiian Islands and Aotearoa New Zealand, unique, yet coherent, societies developed. With that a complex and sustaining spiritual world came into being. Sculptures of ancestral gods connected the Polynesians with Te Po, the supernatural world, giving them strength and sacred knowledge. A hierarchy of supernatural beings â€• atua â€• resides within Te Po, inhabiting animals and birds, or particular aspects of the landscape. Among the atua were the deified spirits of human ancestors, particularly those famous for their invincibility, political strength or navigation skill. Polynesians created, revered and communicated with their atua in a relationship of profound intimacy. This way of life suffered a violent rupture with the arrival of Christianity in the 18th century. It is this volumeâ€™s privilege to chronicle the integral role played by the atua in Polynesian daily life through images and text that convey the power of a still-living culture.
Country USA
Brand University of Washington Press
Manufacturer National Gallery of Australia
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber 9780642334480
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780642334480
ReleaseDate 0000-00-00

Country	USA
Brand	University of Washington Press
Manufacturer	National Gallery of Australia
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	9780642334480
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780642334480
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00

Atua: Sacred Gods from Polynesia

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