Fakpure

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fakpure was the title of secular ruler of Rotuma in the period before European contact with Fiji . It was one of three chief titles with direct influence on the island of Rotuma. The other two were Mua and Sau . Traditionally, the fakpure was the highest political authority on the island and thus one of the gagaj 'es itu'u of the Rotuma district, as well as the representative in the council of island chiefs. After the election as district chief according to the traditional procedure (see Gagaja ), the title of fakpure was conferred on the eldest of these chiefs, usually the chief whose district had won a war, who thereby also acquired the privilege of being the first to which is served in the ceremonial kava ceremonies (yaqona).

history

In early reports by European explorers of Rotuma, it is reported that the fakpure acted as envoy and presiding overseer on the council of district chiefs and that his duties were to appoint and serve the sow. This spiritual chief was regarded as an earthly altar who had to summon the gods of fertility.

The circumstances in which the fakpure officiated have changed dramatically and there are no more elected fakpures. The Chair of the Rotuma Island Council (chairmen of the Rotuma Island Council ) have a similar function today . The district that fills this position today and that accordingly has priority in traditional kava ceremonies is the Noa'tau chief district , which led the Wesleyan Alliance that emerged victorious from the Rotuman Religious Wars . This was the last war on the island, which resulted in Rotuma's cession to Great Britain in 1881.

Chiefs

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ A. Howard, J. Rensel: hawaii.edu : Rotuman Politics. Fiji Constitutional Review Commission, November 1995.
  2. ^ Williamson: The Social and Political Systems of Central Polynesia. 361.

swell