After a deep dive into the Marquesan culture, travellers who make their way to the remote Marquesan Islands typically love to either take a locally made tattoo or carved artefacts back home. Crafted artefacts can be found at various local artisan markets and the bone carvers of Tahuata and their traditional art form are famous and highly regarded as being among the finest in Polynesia.
What interests me in particular are beautifully carved war clubs / status symbols of the Marquesas Islands ('uu / u'u) that had intrigued explorers, traders, whalers and the like ever since the end of the 18th century. Many people say it would be best to directly establish contacts with local carvers for an exquisite souvenir and this is exactly why I contacted Tangy Taupotini and Ana from Cannibal Art and asked whether Tangy would be happy working on a commissioned u'u carving for me.
I seriously believe Tangy - who comes from a well-known Marquesan family of woodcarvers, who is widely regarded as a master carver (tuhuna) and who contributed with his authority on Marquesan culture in a June 2025 ARTE TV documentation on Marquesan tattoos - is the artist you want to rely upon. Any customer must certainly be overwhelmed by Tangy’s and Ana’s focus on customer care, dedication, warmth in communication, artistry / craftsmanship, attention to detail and last but not least on very professional packaging for a safe transport / shipping of Tangy’s artwork. For each of the categories mentioned Cannibal Art truly deserves a five star rating.
The look and the quality of this unique marquesan art is very great. I love it, thanks a lot
Merci infiniment pour ce magnifique collier !
Je suis vraiment heureux de l’avoir et fier de porter un symbole de votre si belle culture que j’admire profondément et qui m’inspire chaque jour.
Un grand bravo également pour votre service client rapide et attentionné, je vous remercie de tout cœur !
Kaumai !
The creativity, warmth, and customer care at Cannibal Art are unparalleled. The duo running the shop are genuine treasures and
Showcase the finest aspects of Polynesia. Supporting them is a true honor.
Cannibal Art for life.
Mary and I highly recommend Cannibal Art. Tangy and Ana make a great team!!!!! You couldn't find a better source for Polynesian art treasures!!!
Received my pendant necklace. Shipped quickly. Even though it’s small - lots of great details!! Love it.
J'ai eu le privilège de pouvoir commander depuis la Suisse ce merveilleux collier-pendentif Tiki...
Je le reçois à l'instant et son voyage s'est très bien passé. Je tiens à remercier vivement Ana & Tangy, à la fois pour la qualité de cette pièce et pour leur merveilleuse empathie ... dès à présent ce Tiki m'accompagnera jour et nuit et son Mana me protégera...
Sincères remerciements et à une prochaine fois bien évidemment...Merci !
We visited Ana and Tangy for a hiking excursion in Nuku Hiva. After the hike they invited us to their home and gallery for a fabulous lunch before leaving. The hike was a 10/10 with Ana giving such wonderful commentary on the area and history of their village. The gallery has amazing hand carved at that was just stunning. We didn't buy anything while there due to no luggage space but after getting home i wanted to purchase Anas book about her travels. Ana let me know when it was mailed and it arrived today! I'm excited to read about her travel journeys that lead here to her home in French Polynesian. We can't wait to go back for another visit!
We visited Ana and Tangy for a hiking excursion in Nuku Hiva. After the hike they invited us to their home and gallery for a fabulous lunch before leaving. The hike was a 10/10 with Ana giving such wonderful commentary on the area and history of their village. The gallery has amazing hand carved at that was just stunning. We didn't buy anything while there due to no luggage space but after getting home i wanted to purchase Anas book about her travels. Ana let me know when it was mailed and it arrived today! I'm excited to read about her travel journeys that lead here to her home in French Polynesian. We can't wait to go back for another visit!
We are very satisfied with the intricate hook necklace that Tangy carved. It's truly a unique work of art. It's a bonus that we were able to spend the day with Ana and Tangy in December and see them in action. It really gives context to the art pieces that Tangy produces and we're happy to support them both in their endeavours. Thank you so much! Best wishes from Semi and Christine
Tangy's outstanding artistic creativity brings the ancestral Marquesan images and patterns to life with each new piece. Thank you!
Thank you Tangy and Ana for the beautiful necklace. Exactly as described and a beautiful example of Marquesan Art!!
Ana et Tanguy sont super sympas.Leur travail est de qualité.Merci pour tout.Franck
I have purchased several pieces now and every single one is incredible. Tangy is a talented man. Excellent delivery time to the UK and packaged very well to ensure items arrive safely. Great communication from Ana too.
I purchased a carved mask for my husband after we had traveled to Nuka Hiva last summer. He absolutely loved it and the design is beautiful! It takes a while to ship, but it’s worth it! We’re so glad we were able to support local artists who are preserving Marquesan culture and art.
Tiki Paioio has arrived today and it's safe and sound. The packaging was superb! I would like to thank you and Tanguy for such an amazing carving and he is a very talented man. I feel honored to have such a thing of beauty all the way from Nuka Hiva. I am now twisted whether to have it at home or in the tattoo studio 😊 Koutau nui!
The most beautiful pendants in the world for your neck. The most impressive carved Tikis. The friendliest, most loving way to send the holy relics with a card, handwritten greetings and absolutely fantastic quality. There is so much dedication and soul in everything. This is the only place where you can buy jewelry and the like.❤️
Quite the surprise today! Both Tiki and U’u arrived today in cold Minnesota! Both are amazing works of art and we are so grateful to be able to have something that came from Tangy’s hands. Thank you!
A wonderful package with a very special tiki arrived all the way from Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas!! Our first really nice tiki will have a place of honor in Outpost 69! @cannibal.art.marquesas had wonderful customer service, fast and well secured shipping and so many beautiful hand made treasures, check them out if you haven’t!
Best surprise I have had in a long time. I cannot wait to fill the wall with Tangy’s art.
