43 - Two anthropomorphic pendants (ivi po’o), Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Two anthropomorphic pendants (ivi po’o), Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia Height: 4 and 4.5 cm Bone. These anthropomorphic pendants, traditionally known as ivi po’o, depict a stylized figure with folded limbs in the traditional style of Marquesan art. Associated with ancestor worship and the concept of mana, these representations were worn as ornaments symbolizing prestige and protection. The expressive power of their forms—characterized by a disproportionately large head, a compact body, and a composition of remarkable simplicity—makes them one of the most iconic expressions of Marquesan art. Beyond their ornamental function, these pendants served as a reminder of the spiritual bond uniting their wearer with their ancestors and helped affirm their status within the community. Provenance: Franck Marcelin, Aix-en-Provence.