Tamaiti Orero Painting

the children of Huahine participate yearly in an "Orero" competition. Orero was an ancient Tahitian form of entertainment and served as a continuity vehicle of traditional information. It was an art that was nearly lost to the indigenous people in French Polynesia, as they were colonized by the western world. Fortunately there was a movement in the 70s to reclaim their cultural traditions, and the Orero has now been initiated in elementary schools so that children will learn how to give a speech in their native language. The event involves the entire island, and takes place at the Fare Potee, a traditional meeting house/museum that is on the edge of Lake Fauna Nui, in Huahine. The grounds are covered with ancient stone structures called "marae", and there is dancing, drumming, singing and the children are all dressed in elaborate costumes they have created with leaves, bark, and flowers. I enjoy the event immensely, and since everyone knows i am the "painter" I get a lot of willing models. This little boy had such a beautiful soulful look, sitting in the sun dappled light, with the water reflecting in his dark eyes...I painted him in oils on linen, and I have an optional frame of local wood that is sculpted by a sculptor from the Marquesas island of Nuku Hiva. He is quite the "show stopper" on the wall in my studio in Huahine, people tend to stand and gaze at him for long moments...

Painting:Oil on Canvas

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:16 W x 24 H x 1 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.