Purea facts for kids
Purea, also known as Oborea, was an important leader in Tahiti. She was a powerful chieftainess from the Landward Teva tribe. Purea became well-known when the first European explorers arrived in Tahiti. She led her tribe's area between 1767 and 1768, when Captain Samuel Wallis met her.
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Contents
Purea's Life Story
Early Years
Purea's mother was a very important leader in a place called Fa'a'ā. Purea later married Amo, who was a chief from the Teva family in Papara. They had a son together named Teri'irere. Purea also had a close friend named Tupaia, who was a famous navigator.
Meeting Captain Wallis
The first European explorer known to visit Tahiti was Lieutenant Samuel Wallis. He was sailing around the world on his ship, the HMS Dolphin. On June 17, 1767, he landed in Matavai Bay. This area was led by Purea, who Wallis called "Oberea." Wallis named the island King George Island.
At first, things were a bit difficult. On June 24 and 26, 1767, local canoes tried to approach Wallis's ship. They might have been worried the English planned to stay, or they wanted the metal items from the ship. The English sailors fired their weapons in response. After this, the people of the bay offered gifts to the English. This showed they wanted peace. After this, Samuel Wallis and Purea became friendly. Wallis stayed on the island until July 27, 1767.
Between 1767 and 1768, Purea and her husband Amo built a special place called Mahaiatea. It was meant to be a very important religious and meeting center for all of Tahiti.
Meeting Captain Cook
Captain James Cook arrived in Tahiti on his ship, the HMS Endeavour, in April 1769. He stayed on the island until August. Cook set up his camp at Matavai Bay. With the help of scientists like Joseph Banks, Cook learned a lot about Tahiti's plants, animals, and the local way of life.
Cook thought about 200,000 people lived on Tahiti and nearby islands. However, later studies by experts like Douglas L. Oliver suggested the population was closer to 35,000 when Europeans first arrived. Cook's crew also got along well with Purea. They mistakenly thought she was the queen of all Tahiti. These friendly meetings helped set the stage for the rise of the Pōmare Dynasty, a powerful ruling family in Tahiti.
Cook returned to Tahiti two more times. He visited between August 15 and September 1, 1773. His last visit was from August 13 to December 8, 1777. During his final stay, Cook joined Purea's nephew, Chief Tū, on a journey to Mo'orea.
Purea's Importance
Purea became a well-known figure in European stories. She was seen as a mix between a traditional ruler and a magical queen.
