Mangaia’s carving and the ceremonial adze
Mangaian ceremonial adzes — stone blades bound to intricately carved wooden handles with sennit — are among the most recognisable objects in Pacific art, and examples sit in major museum collections around the world.
The tradition today
Carving continues on the island, along with other craft work. It is not a tourist industry — the visitor numbers do not support one — which is precisely why what you find is the real thing.
Buying
Ask at your accommodation who is carving. Buying directly is cheaper, better and considerably more interesting than buying the same thing at three removes in Avarua.
No operators listed on Mangaia yet
People are reading about Mangaia and finding nowhere to book. If you run accommodation, tours, vehicle hire or transport here, you would be the first listed — and the only option visitors see on this page.