Officially name: French Polynesia
Capital: Papeete
Largest city: Faaa
Official language: French
Government: Dependent territory
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 Polynesian food has become synonymous with fresh ingredients, exotic tropical fruits and vegetables and a variety of fish and sea food cooked in traditional Polynesian style with a bit of French style and flair thrown in for enhanced effect.