Makea Te Vaerua Ariki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Makea Te Vaerua Ariki |
|
|---|---|
| High Chiefess of Te Au O Tonga | |
| Reign | 1845–1857 |
| Predecessor | Makea Davida Ariki |
| Successor | Makea Daniela Ariki |
| Born | Unknown Avarua, Rarotonga |
| Died | circa 1857 |
| Spouse | Papelna (?–1901) or Tiberio, Pastor of the LMS |
| Issue | Makea Takau Ariki |
| House | House of Te Au O Tonga |
| Dynasty | Makea Nui dynasty |
| Father | Makea Pori Ariki |
Makea Te Vaerua Ariki was an important leader in the Cook Islands. She was a powerful queen, known as an ariki. She belonged to the Makea Nui family, which was a major ruling group. This family led the Te Au O Tonga tribe on the island of Rarotonga.
Becoming a Leader
Makea Te Vaerua became the ariki after her older brother, Makea Davida. Christian missionaries helped her take on this role. Her village became the main center for the missionaries.
She was the very first woman to become an ariki. This was special because she had younger brothers who were still alive. Usually, a man would take the title.
Her Time as Queen
Makea Te Vaerua's time as queen was peaceful. She strongly supported the work of the missionaries. She was also very welcoming to all the missionaries who visited. She married a missionary from Tahiti named Tiberio, also known as Rio.
Family Connections
Makea Te Vaerua was the oldest daughter of Makea Pori Ariki. She was also the mother of Makea Takau Ariki, who later became a famous queen herself. After Makea Te Vaerua passed away around 1857, her younger brother, Makea Daniela, became the next ariki.
