Papeete is the largest city in and capital of French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti.
French Polynesia attracted many European painters and continues to support painters of island landscapes and residents. Indigenous graphic arts such as sculpture in wood, stone, and coral; the creation of hats, mats, and baskets; tattooing; the making of patchwork quilts; and decorative shell work continue to thrive. The practice of decorating bark cloth has largely disappeared, but several artists are attempting to revive this ancient art form.
French Polynesia is divided into groups of islands or archipelagos – Society Archipelago, Tuamoto Archipelago, Austral Archipelago, Gambier Archipelago and the Marquesa Archipelago.