Marae Arahurahu

Arahurahu marae is an archeological site that was restored in 1953. It is a site that reflects part of the maohi culture that thrived in French Polynesia before the arrival of the first Europeans. Typical of the ancient cultural centers, there is a tahua (sacred square),a patu (surrounding wall), un ahu (altar), red unu dedicated to the taura (wooden sculptures dedicated to the guardian spirits). The site can be found in the valley of Tefa'aiti, a calm spot surrounded by pleasant countryside. At the inauguration of the renovated site in 1954, there was a reenactment of the consecration ceremony for an Arii (Supreme Chief). The ceremony much pleased the large crowd and ever since, the same reenactment is performed each year during the Heiva festival in July. When visiting, please remember that this is a historical and religous site of much importance to the Polynesian people.