Ancient ceremony to mark bi-centenary

ALL Tahiti flocked to the recently-restored marae (ancient temple) of Arahurahu on June 18 to witness the mock “enthronement” of a Polynesian “king”.

The enthronement was one of several ceremonies staged in Tahiti in June to commemorate the 200th anniversay of the discovery of the island by Captain Samuel Wallis of HMS Dolphin. Wallis anchored at Matavai Bay on June 19, 1767 ( PIM , June, p. 85).

The enthronement was staged in torchlight by hundreds of Tahitians in traditional costumes of tapa and feathers. Ancient chants and dances were a feature of the performance, which lasted two hours.

Next day, a modern celebration took place at Point Venus, near Matavai Bay, where a stone was unveiled with a plaque reading: “To the memory of Captain Samuel Wallis, who discovered Tahiti, June 19 1767.”

Guest of honour was Mr. Archibald Read, the British Consul in the South Pacific, whose headquarters are in Tonga. French Polynesia’s highest officials were also present.

Agence Tiare Photo.