A Fish Named Tahiti: Myths and Power in Ancient Polynesia (Tahiti, Ra ’iātea, Ha wai‘i, Aotearoa New Zealand)

Name: A Fish Named Tahiti: Myths and Power in Ancient Polynesia (Tahiti, Ra ’iātea, Ha wai‘i, Aotearoa New Zealand)
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Book Synopsis: This book focuses on a traditional Tahitian account, which sees the island born in the guise of a fish. The scene is said to have been the Leeward Islands group, north of Tahiti. There, in ancient times, a huge eel swallowed a young girl and began to shake the land of the island of Ra’iātea, at a time when it was called Havai’i. A piece of it broke off, sailing away and becoming the Tahitian fish. The final words of this myth, which state a natural anteriority of Ra’iātea-Havai’i over Tahiti, are very depreciatory: Tahiti, a subordinate island, would once have had neither gods nor sacred chiefs (ari’i), unlike the glorious Ra’iātea-Havai’i. What was the reality? Did the island of Ra’iātea – where is the ‘’international’’ marae (temple) of Taputapuātea, classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2017 – dominate its neighbours? Did its influence extend to a vast region, in the interior of the Pacific, as some have claimed and are claiming today? This book attempts to answer these questions by focusing on the conditions of historical fabrication of a myth that is both highly poetic and political. For that purpose, it explores in details the meaning of the entity Havai’i or Hawaiki, the primordial land of the ancient Polynesians. Bruno Saura, Professor of Polynesian Civilisation at the Université de la Polynésie française (in Tahiti), is a trained anthropologist and political scientist. His early work focused on contemporary political and religious issues in French Polynesia. He now specializes in the study of oral traditions, early indigenous manuscripts, and Polynesian mythology.

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Discover the captivating tales of ancient Polynesia with A Fish Named Tahiti: Myths and Power in Ancient Polynesia. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Tahitian account of how the island was born in the form of a magnificent fish. Dive into the Leeward Islands group, where a massive eel swallowed a young girl, shaking the very foundations of the land. Experience the awe-inspiring journey of a piece that broke away and transformed into the majestic Tahitian fish.

Unravel the secrets of this age-old myth and explore the hidden truths behind Tahitian history. Did the island of Ra'iātea truly dominate its neighboring islands, including the renowned Tahiti? Was the influence of Ra'iātea felt far and wide, reaching the depths of the Pacific? These burning questions find their answers within the pages of this remarkable book.

Written by Bruno Saura, a distinguished Professor of Polynesian Civilisation, this book delves into the rich tapestry of oral traditions, indigenous manuscripts, and Polynesian mythology. Saura's expertise as an anthropologist and political scientist lends a unique perspective to the historical fabrication of this captivating myth.

Uncover the true meaning of Havai'i or Hawaiki, the primordial land of the ancient Polynesians. Saura's meticulous research sheds light on the poetic and political significance of this entity, inviting readers to delve deeper into the cultural heritage of this remarkable region. Tahiti, once considered a subordinate island, comes alive with gods and sacred chiefs, challenging the prevailing notions of its past.

Embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the mystical world of ancient Polynesia. Experience the allure of Tahiti, Ra'iātea, Ha wai'i, and Aotearoa New Zealand like never before. Awaken your curiosity, unlock the secrets of history, and gain a profound appreciation for the myths and power that shaped the magnificent Polynesian civilization.

Ready to uncover the truth behind Tahiti's enigmatic past?

Get your copy of A Fish Named Tahiti: Myths and Power in Ancient Polynesia today and unravel the mysteries of the Pacific's ancient legacy.

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