HUNTERS OF NUKU HIVA, FRENCH POLYNESIA 2019
The Hunters of Nuku Hiva: A Month Among Island Traditions
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands, a remote and rugged archipelago in French Polynesia. This group of islands, known for their dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a glimpse into a world where life is lived in harmony with nature. During my one-month stay on Nuku Hiva, I immersed myself in the rhythms of daily life, where the land and sea provide abundantly for the community.
Nuku Hiva, like the rest of the Marquesas, is a world apart. Here, there are no sprawling supermarkets; instead, each family often owns a piece of land where they cultivate fruits, grow plants, and raise animals. The island's vast valleys are home to these resources, and fishing is a vital part of life, with the ocean offering a rich bounty.
One of the most unforgettable experiences during my stay was going hunting with the locals—an adventure that was as much about cultural exchange as it was about tradition. This hunt was conducted on horseback, a necessity given the island's rugged terrain. We rode through the lush valleys, the horses navigating the steep paths with ease as we made our way deep into the jungle.
Our objective was a large bull, known to be roaming in a specific area of the valley. The hunt itself was intense and required a deep understanding of the land, something the locals had in abundance. Once the bull was taken down, the work truly began. There, in the middle of the jungle, the animal was expertly butchered, and the meat was carefully packed into five large backpacks. This was no small feat—every part of the bull was utilized, ensuring that nothing was wasted.
The journey back to the village was a test of endurance and strength. The backpacks, filled to the brim with fresh meat, were loaded onto the horses, and we began the trek back. As we rode, the weight of the packs pressed into our shoulders, a reminder of the labor involved in maintaining this way of life on such a remote island.
Back in the village, the meat was shared among families, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines life on Nuku Hiva. This experience was a profound lesson in tradition and respect for the natural world—a way of life that has sustained the people of Nuku Hiva for centuries.
My time on Nuku Hiva was a rare glimpse into a world where the modern and the ancient coexist. It’s a place where traditions are not just remembered but lived daily, and where the land and sea provide everything the islanders need. The month I spent there was a humbling reminder of the deep connection we all share with the earth, especially in the unique and storied Marquesas Islands.