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 | ||
The Pōmare dynasty was a powerful royal family that ruled the Kingdom of Tahiti. This family led the islands from 1788, when Pōmare I united them, until 1880. In 1880, Pōmare V gave the kingdom to France. At its strongest, the Pōmare family's influence reached across many islands, including the Society Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Tuamotu Archipelago.
A type of bird, the Polynesian monarch flycatcher, has the scientific name Pomarea. This name was given to honor the Pōmare dynasty. It was first used for the bird species found in Tahiti.
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History of the Pōmare Dynasty
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The Pōmare family's ancestors came from an individual named Tu. He was from the island of Fakarava in the Tuamotus. Tu was adopted by Mauaihiti, who was a chief (Ari'i) of Pare.
After settling in Tahiti, the family became important chiefs, known as ari'i rahi, in the Porionuʻu district. They also formed ties with the Tamatoa family from Raiatea through marriage. With the help of foreign weapons, Chief Tu slowly gained control of other parts of Tahiti. He then brought the islands of Moorea, Mehetia, and Tetiaroa together under one rule.
Chief Tu later chose the name Pōmare. The name Pō-mare means 'night cougher'. He took this nickname, which was common at the time, to remember his daughter Teriinavahoroa, who died in 1792.
Over time, through family connections, adoptions, and marriages, the Pōmare dynasty grew very large. At its peak, members of the family ruled in Tahiti, Raiatea, and Bora Bora. Tahiti also controlled some smaller islands in the Austral Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago.
In 1842, Tahiti and its nearby islands became a French protectorate. This meant France offered protection but also had some control. By 1880, France largely took over Tahiti as a colony. The monarchy was officially ended by France in 1880. The last queen from the Pōmare dynasty was Teriimaevarua III, who ruled Bora Bora and stepped down in 1895.
Today, some people still claim to be the rightful heirs to the Tahitian throne. Many Tahitians hope for the monarchy to return. Some believe that France's decision to end the monarchy was not legal.
Pōmare Monarchs
Here are the main Pōmare monarchs who ruled Tahiti:
- Pōmare I, Tu Vairaʻatoa Taina (1791–1803)
- Pōmare II, Tu Tunuieaiteatua (1803–1815)
- Pōmare III, Teriʻitaria (1821–1827)
- Pōmare IV, ʻAimata (1827–1877)
- Pōmare V, Teriʻitaria Teratane (1877–1880)
Current Status of the Monarchy
Even though the monarchy was abolished, there are still people who claim to be the heirs. Until his death in 2013, Tauatomo Mairau said he was the heir to the Tahitian throne. He tried to get the monarchy recognized in court, but France did not agree with his claims.
On May 28, 2009, Joinville Pomare, who was adopted into the Pomare family, announced himself as King Pomare XI. This happened during a ceremony with descendants of important chiefs. However, some members of his own family did not support this. Other family members believe his uncle, Léopold Pomare, is the true heir.
Another person, Athanase Teiri, says he is a descendant of Pomare V. He claims control over the land, sea, and air of French Polynesia. He and his supporters have gained some attention in politics. On April 19, 2023, Joinville Pomare was officially installed as King Pomare XI in a ceremony in Papeete. He is now known as Teriʻihinoiatua Joinville Hinoiariki Pomare XI. This event happened two years after he restarted what he calls the Principality of Pomare.
King Tuheitia Poʻotatau Te Wherowhero also attended the ceremony.
France no longer officially recognizes a Tahitian royal family. However, in 1880, Paris signed a treaty that promised to keep Polynesian titles and customs under its control.
Family Tree
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Descending dotted lines denote adoptions.
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See also
In Spanish: Dinastía Pōmare para niños
- Kingdom of Tahiti
- List of monarchs of Tahiti
- List of consorts of Tahiti
- Hawaii–Tahiti relations
