Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
In the context of Polynesian art, akua refers to deities or gods. These divine beings are often depicted in various forms and play a significant role in the religious beliefs and practices of Polynesian cultures.
Related terms
Tiki: Carved wooden figures that represent ancestral spirits or gods in Polynesian art.
Mana: The spiritual power or energy believed to be possessed by both living beings and objects in Polynesian culture.
Tapu: A concept that refers to sacredness or being set apart from ordinary life, often associated with certain rituals or objects.