Thought I’d get a hop on the French Polynesia stamp issues today. It’s normally a small program celebrating Polynesian culture & history. While it’s relatively easy sourcing details about the various themes, it’s often been quite frustrating finding relevant information on the artist, and in some cases even their names, unless a big name designer/engraver is involved. But this year … this year will be different. 

Many of the stamps have FARE RATA 2023 listed as designer. After a bit of a swim around various sites, I found where the post office hides their info sheets.  Also in my searches popped up FDCs and cancels issued by French Polynesia Post (FARE RATA). So, this year, will be a good year. I hate posting stamps without at least acknowledging photographer, artists etc – all the creators. It seems unjust. The only thing I have left is to source better FDC images and the pages will be complete. 

I’m super chuffed about finding the info sheets and cancels, and now feel motivated to go take care of 2022. I’ve avoided it because I couldn’t shake the feeling I couldn’t do justice to their program. 2022 had number of beautiful issues that I now feel like I can write about with confidence. This also means I’ll have to revisit 2021 and improve that page. Oh it’s going to be fun. 

In the meantime, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter. It comes out Sunday night (or early Monday morning, depending on where you are). I use it to list all the programs that were updated during the proceeding week, links to newly listed programs and articles, plus some subscriber only content. Once in awhile, I’ll share a  “work in progress” with subscribers. 

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 January

Lunar New Year – Year of the Rabbit 2023

1 stamp, sheets of 10, FDC, maxi card, cancel
mixed

Designer: C. Sengues

Release date: January 20, 2023

February

20th Festival International du Film Documentaire Océanien (FIFO)

1 stamp, sheets of 25, FDC, maxicard, cancel
offset

FIFO was formed in 2004.  The 2023 program ran Feb. 4 to 12.  During the festival, FIFO also runs workshops on film techniques, discussions with film makers, writing workshops and sessions aimed at teaching documentary film makers tv reporting techniques. Starting in 2020, FIFO began a streaming the festival remote audiences.
(15) FIFO Tahiti | Papeete | Facebook

Created in 2004, the FIFO (International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival) aims to promote Oceania and make it visible through documentary
films. In the context of globalization, its ambition is to make the voice of the peoples and cultures of South Pacific heard beyond its coasts and to make it heard in Oceania, of course, but also in the media. Finally, it aims to promote Oceanian cinema and filmmakers on screens around the world.
ÉMISSION PHILATÉLIQUE Issue: February 7th 2023

Designer: FARE RATA 2023
Photographer: Molly Reynolds
Photo of David Gulpilil (1923-2021) – Gulpilil was an Indigenous Australian actor and dancer. He appeared in 2022’s Tracker , and 2002 Rabbit Proof Fence, to name just a few of his works.  Honoring David Gulpilil 

Release date: February 7, 2023

March

International Women’s Day – Football

1 stamp, sheets of 20, FDC, cancel
offset

FTF.PF | Fédération Tahitienne de Football

Photographs couresty  Fédération tahitienne de football 

Release date: March 8, 2023

April

Scent Seaweed – Rimu Vine

1 stamp, sheets of 20, FDC, cancel
offset
This stamp is scented.

The FDC isn’t very clear. I’m working on getting large, clear scans of each. 

The Rimu Vine (Caulerpa chemnitzia) nicknamed “green caviar”, is a seaweed very popular in French Polynesia and has a strong potential in the South Pacific market (New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, etc) but also internationally, especially in Japan. ÉMISSION PHILATÉLIQUE April 21st 2023

Photographer: Hereana MOE

Release date: April 23, 2023

May

120 Years of the Death of Paul Gauguin

1 stamp, sheets of 15, FDC, cancel

The FDC isn’t very clear. I’m working on getting large, clear scans of each. 

Release date: May 9, 2023

100 years of the maritime courier connection Marseille – Papeete 

1 stamp, sheets of 24, FDC, cancel

Details coming

The FDC isn’t very clear. I’m working on getting large, clear scans of each 

Release date: May 23, 2023

July

Heiva Tu’aro

1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheets of 25
offset

Placed under the control of the Āmuitahira’a Tū’aro Mā’ohi Federation (FATM), these traditional sports called Heiva Tū’aro Mā’ohi bring together
several hundred of women and men from the five archipelagos of Polynesia as well as the Polynesian triangle and bring together various disciplines such as coconut climbing, the stone lifting, the throwing of javelin, the shelling of coconut, the fruit carriers running, the traditional wrestling, the regattas of sailing canoes.
ÉMISSION PHILATÉLIQUE Issue: July 7th 2023

Designer: FARE RATA post office
Photographer: Tim McKenna

Release date: July 7, 2023

 September

Endemic insects – Cyphogastra taitina

1 stamp, sheets of 25
offset

The Cyphogastra taitina is a member of the colourful Jewel Beetle family. 

Photographer: Fred Jacq

Release date: September 22, 2023