As we were getting ready to board the tender to go ashore I noticed these folks.
They were his descendants. I was told that the woman holding the flowers is his great-granddaughter.
A small shelter on the dock carried this sign.
We were met by this local band as we came ashore.
Much better than the greeting their cannibal ancestors may have given.
The nose flute is a traditional instrument here in the Marquesas.
Nancy decorated her hat with the lei she was given.
Do you suppose it is significant that it was made with tomatoes and basil?
We took the local bus to visit Gauguin's grave site.
Next stop was a park where carvings, necklaces made from shells, seeds, nuts, and sea urchin spines were offered for sale.
They also were selling unmarked bottles of liquid, some of which were beverage and some skin care lotion.
Tattoos were common. The kids were about the only local folks I saw who didn't have them.
I learned another string figure from this guy.
Apparently the speed with which it is produced is an important part of the figure.
Interestingly enough it is called tattoo.
Dancers again provided entertainment.
In the old days the fringes the men wore on their arms and legs would have been made of hair from their enemies.
Now they just use grasses.
Some of us were invited to join the dancers.
In the middle of one of the dances the leader charged me with his weapon.
I don't know if it was because he took offense at me taking pictures of the young ladies or just didn't like the way I dance.
Afterward all seemed to be forgiven. He even let me play the ceremonial horn.
Back at the shore we met this woman fishing for dinner. That is bait not catch in her hand.
Fiberglas outriggers lined the shore.
Our ship in the harbor.
