The six main islands are divided into two distinct groups: the northern group with the big island of Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou and its sugarloaf mountains, Ua Huka the island of horses; the southern group with Hiva Oa, the island of "tiki" statues, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva, the islands discovered by the Spaniard Mendana. The lilting Marquesan language, its songs and rhythmic "haka" dances, the traditional cultural and decorative art of tattooing, carving, "tapa" cloth, the fine art of cooking and the return of sandal wood are equally a source of pride and identity for these people descended from valiant navigators and great warriors.
