Wood carving - Manta ray (Ry15-1)

Handmade sculpture from the island of Ua Huka of the Marquesas Islands.
Carved from Oceanic walnut (Tou). Each piece is unique. (Ry15-1)

The rays
The Polynesian people took Manta rays as the symbol of Spirit Guardians representing graceful strength and wisdom. The stingray represents protection, guidance and strength as well as fierocity however, they are also symbols of adaptability in many other cultures.

The Marquesas Islands
The Marquesas Islands are located in the north of the South Pacific about 1400 km of Tahiti. They form the Marquesas archipelago which is one of the five archipelagos of French Polynesia. Craftsmanship occupies an essential place there and Marquis sculptors are recognized among the best of Oceania and the world. Their preferred materials are wood, stone and bone. To make their wood sculptures, they mainly use noble woods such as the miro (rosewood of Oceania) or the Tou (walnut of Oceania).