Pōmare Dynasty facts for kids
| Pōmare |
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Quick facts for kids  |
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| Country: | Tahiti, Raiatea, Bora Bora | ||
| Parent House: | Tamatoa Dynasty | ||
| Titles: | King of Tahiti and Mo'orea King of Bora Bora King of Raiatea and Taha'a Ari'i Rahi of Hitia'a Ari'i Rahi of Afa'ahiti Ari'i Rahi of Porionu'u |
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| Founder: | Pōmare I | ||
| Final Ruler: | Teriimaevarua III | ||
| Current Head: | disputed | ||
| Founding Year: | 1788 | ||
| Dissolution: | 1880 | ||
| Ethnicity: | Tahitian | ||
The Pōmare Dynasty was a royal family that ruled the Kingdom of Tahiti. They were in charge from 1788, when Pōmare I united the island, until 1880. That's when Pōmare V gave the kingdom to France.
At its strongest, the Pōmare family's power reached across many islands. This included most of the Society Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Contents
History of the Pōmare Dynasty
The Pōmare family's ancestors originally came from Fakarava island. This island is part of the Tuamotus.
The dynasty began with important chiefs, called ari'i rahi. They were from the Porionuʻu district (which included Pare and Arue) and the island of Raiatea. These chiefs were part of the Tamatoa family.
A chief named Tu slowly gained control of other parts of Tahiti. He used weapons from other countries to help him. Then, he brought the islands of Moorea, Mehetia, and Tetiaroa together. This created one single kingdom.
Chief Tu later chose the name Pōmare. The name Pō-mare means 'night cougher'. He took this nickname to honor his daughter, Teriinavahoroa. She sadly died from tuberculosis in 1792. It was common back then to take nicknames for important events.
Over time, the family grew through marriages and adoptions. At its peak, the Pōmare dynasty ruled all the Society Islands. Family members became rulers in Tahiti, Raiatea, and Bora Bora. Tahiti also controlled some islands in the Austral Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago.
In 1842, Tahiti and its nearby islands became a French protectorate. This meant France protected and controlled them. In 1880, France largely took over Tahiti as a colony. The French government ended the monarchy, and Tahiti became part of France.
The last queen of the Pōmare family was Teriimaevarua III. She was the Queen of Bora Bora and gave up her throne in 1895.
Some people in Tahiti still hope for the monarchy to return. They believe that ending the monarchy was not legal.
Pōmare Monarchs
Here are the rulers from the Pōmare family:
- Pōmare I, Tu Vairaʻatoa Taina (ruled 1791–1803)
- Pōmare II, Tu Tunuieaiteatua (ruled 1803–1815)
- Pōmare III, Teriʻitaria (ruled 1821–1827)
- Pōmare IV, Aimata (ruled 1827–1877)
- Pōmare V, Teriʻitaria Teratane (ruled 1877–1880)
Current Status of the Pōmare Family
Some people today still claim to be the rightful heirs to the Tahitian throne. They want the monarchy to be recognized again. However, the French government does not officially recognize these claims.
For example, before he passed away in 2013, Tauatomo Mairau said he was the heir. Another person, Joinville Pomare, declared himself King Pomare XI in 2009. Other family members believe his uncle, Léopold Pomare, is the true heir.
There are also other people who claim to be connected to the royal family. They sometimes try to bring attention to their ideas about the islands' independence.
Images for kids
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Pōmare I started his family's rule by bringing together the different parts of Tahiti. This created the Kingdom of Tahiti.
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See also
In Spanish: Dinastía Pōmare para niños
