Marquesas carved turtle

Tou Wood and Horn Handcrafted Turtle from the Marquesas Islands

Discover a masterpiece of Polynesian craftsmanship: the turtle made of tou wood, ox horn and goat horn. Carefully crafted by an artisan in the Marquesas Islands, this unique piece weighing 6.7 kg and measuring 70 cm by 70 cm is much more than just a decorative object. It embodies the soul of Polynesian culture, wisdom and longevity.

A Tou Wood Turtle: A Work of Exceptional Craftsmanship

This turtle in tou wood (Oceania walnut), complemented by details in ox horn and goat horn, represents the very essence of traditional Polynesian craftsmanship. Tou wood is particularly prized for its strength, durability and fine grain, offering a luxurious texture and finish to each creation. Used for centuries in the crafting of sacred and utilitarian objects, this wood is a noble and symbolic material in Polynesian culture.

The craftsman who shapes this turtle has inherited ancestral techniques handed down from generation to generation. Each step of the creation process is carried out by hand, with meticulous precision and attention to detail. The process begins with wood selection, followed by cutting and shaping, then the application of horn details, and finally the final polishing. This meticulous workmanship makes each turtle a unique piece, a work of art in its own right.