1595–1945 Native Marquesan culture was devastated in the period following the arrival of
European explorers. The primary cause of its collapse can be directly linked to the catastrophic effects of
alien diseases, especially
smallpox, which reduced the population by an estimated 98%. The sexual culture of Marquesans is often misrepresented.
Robert Louis Stevenson, who visited the islands and talked to the natives, wrote: (The conflicting reports mentioned here are compactly summarized by
Robert Carl Suggs.)
Tatu , 1846 The Marquesas have a long history of complex geometric
tattooing, covering the whole bodies of both men and women. Marquesan tattoos can be recognized by 'trademark symbols', such as
geckos,
centipedes,
Ti'i's, the Marquesan Cross (which is also commonly confused with other designs) and other geometric designs. Marquesan designs distinguish themselves through the use of symbols and consistent artistic renderings of lines, arches and circles, which are uniquely attributed and linked through history to the South Pacific Islands. Boys received their first tattoos in their teens in a ritual setting, and by old age often had tattoos all over their bodies. Women were also tattooed, but not as extensively as men. The designs share many symbolic motifs, but were never copied entirely; every individual's tattoos were different and signified heritage, accomplishments, the specific Marquesan island the individual came from and their familial position.
Contemporary period Today, Marquesan culture is a mélange created by the layering of the ancient Marquesan culture, with strong influences from the important
Tahitian culture and the politically important
French culture. ==In Western culture==