POLYNESIAN CULTURE: SHOPPING
Polynesian culture marries a blend of ancient societies with more than a dash of French influence. Shopping here is for the connoisseur. Stroll the markets, and you will find artisans carrying on the traditions of a thousand ancestors. At every turn, handmade treasures will await your discovery.
BY ELLEN O'ROURKE If you plan on bringing back one precious
What could be more lovely than moisturizing with
perfumed oil? Using the French
perfume making technique of enfleurage, monoi oil is crafted
by infusing hand-picked tiaré flowers with locally pressed coconut oil. The tiaré flower, also known as the Tahitian gardenia, is the national flower and the fragrance ambassador of the Society Islands. Tahitians know that using this nurturing oil is the perfect way to extend the polished glow of sun-kissed skin.
memento from your Polynesian holiday, it should be a Tahitian pearl! Available in a wide range of hues, most Tahitian pearls are actually charcoal, silver, or dark green. You’ll find these luminous gems at markets throughout the Society Islands and in specialty stores in Moorea and Papeete. Using the more exotic colors of pistachio, peacock, emerald, rose, and blue, Hinerava, one of Tahiti’s leading jewelers, offers their collection on board the ship.
Ancient Polynesians recorded their history and honored their
ancestors by creating woodcarvings.
Collectors have prized them for centuries. Pablo Picasso
even kept a Marquesan tiki in his studio as a source of creative inspiration.
Woodcarvings remain a vibrant art form central to
Polynesian culture and many people still enjoy collecting them today. Tikis top the collectible list, so look for these sacred icons on the
Marquesas Islands and in the shops and market in Papeete.
This practical
and beautiful accessory is worn by both men and women. Pareo
means wraparound skirt and is the fashion staple of island life. Tie one around your waist for beachwear, or knot it around
Do you want to know a secret ingredient used by the world’s most exclusive skincare companies? Tamanu Oil. Taken from the ripened nut of the tamanu tree, and found only in the islands of Oceania, this rare, resinous, and smoky scented oil is used to treat burns, scars, and to nurture the condition of the skin. This beauty fix can be purchased in pharmacies, local markets, and in the spa onboard the ship.
your neck to wear as a dress. Island craftsmen create patterns on the pareos by dying fabric wrapped in local leaves and flowers. Imagine getting off the ship in some quiet little port and finding a handmade pareo created just for you.
When you visit Taha’a, close your eyes and inhale the scent of vanilla as it lingers like perfume in the air. Vanilla farms dot this island, and French Polynesia exports
25 tons of ‘black gold’ annually. Traditionally used to flavor desserts, Tahitian vanilla takes on a savory role, when it is used onboard the ship, in the popular dish—Lobster with Vanilla Sauce. Vanilla can be found throughout the islands, but especially on Taha’a and in the markets in Papeete.
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
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