An important aspect of male competition in the Marquesas Islands, stilt games were either group races or individual competitions in which one opponent attempted to knock the stilts out from under his rival. Oral traditions record that some performers were so skilled that they were able to turn somersaults as they tested their athletic ability. During certain religious events, however, stilt demonstrations also measured a man's spiritual strength. Stilts were composed of a step attached with ornamental lashings to a shaft between five and seven feet long.
Catalogue Description:
Teakwood stilt, upper tiki carved as head with abstract body, this incised with parallel lines forming diamonds; lower tiki carved with arms, legs.
Condition: broken at lower end, step portion broken, repaired and cracked.
