UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
France

Taputapuatea marae

Marae complex in French Polynesia

Location

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Historical Context

About

Marae Taputapuatea is a large marae complex at Opoa in Taputapuatea, on the eastern coast of Raiatea. The site features a number of marae and other stone structures and was once considered the central temple and religious center of Eastern Polynesia. In 2017, the Taputapuatea area and the marae complex were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its political and religious significance and its testimony to traditional eastern Polynesian culture.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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UNESCO World Heritage inscription

9 July 2017

Major expansions

14th–18th centuries

Ti'ahuauatea alliance formed

17th–18th centuries

Endeavour visit and claim

20 July 1769

Possible founding

c. AD 1000

Bora Bora attack and ransacking

c. 1763

Missionary arrival and abandonment

early 19th century

Te Rangi Hīroa visit

1929

Archaeological restoration

1994

Reconciliation attempt

1995

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesCeremonial PlatformsAltarsGod-houses
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesMonuments
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Courtyards
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Sacred Groves
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

France

Coordinates

-16.84° N, -151.36° E