In 1960, Emmanuel Kasarhérou was born in Noumea, New Caledonia. His father, who was of Kanak descent, worked as a tailor; he had traveled to Paris to learn his craft. His mother, Jacqueline de La Fontinelle, was originally from France. She was a linguist who specialized in the Houailou language. As a child, Emmanuel saw himself as Indiana Jones, and he was passionate about prehistory. He received training from José Garanger, an oceanic archaeologist, with whom he participated in archaeological excavations.
