Vaekehu, the Life of a 19th Century Marquesan “Queen" in Turbulent Times

Authors

  • Carol S. Ivory Washington State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15286/jps.123.2.113-128

Keywords:

Marquesas, Vaekehu, colonial history, French Polynesia

Abstract

Born on Nuku Hiva around 1823, Vaekehu was a high-ranking woman in a line of powerful and wealthy Marquesan women. She grew up in a period when the 'old ways' were still vital and the structure of 'traditional' Marquesan life intact. She married Temoana, the island's highest-ranking chief; their high status led the French to dub them 'king' and 'queen' of Nuku Hiva. She lived until 1901, and her long life, which was recorded by numerous writers and artists, mirrored the dramatic changes that occurred in the archipelago in the 19th century because of depopulation, missionisation and colonisation.

Author Biography

Carol S. Ivory, Washington State University

Carol Ivory is an art historian (PhD, University of Washington) and, retired from Washington State University as Professor Emerita of Fine Arts. Carol’s research focuses on the art, history and culture of the Marquesas Islands. In addition to publishing numerous articles, she has been a co-curator or consultant for numerous exhibitions on the Marquesas and French Polynesia at venues including Mission Houses Museum, Honolulu, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Seattle Art Museum. She served as President of the Pacific Arts Association, and is currently curating an exhibition on Marquesan art and culture planned for 2016 at the Musée du Quai Branly, Paris. She continues her research in the Marquesas, especially on Vaekehu and her family.
Vol 123, No 2 (2014)

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Published

2014-10-06

Issue

Vol. 123 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Articles

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