Since 1844, European populations have been present in Tahiti and this has influenced local cultures. In this context, it is interesting to see how Europeans identified themselves and how they were counted using Polynesian expressions. Through this article, we will see how European populations changed Polynesian cultures, as well as the words and expressions that emerged to describe this phenomenon.
A people in social and cultural change
Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Tahiti was a relatively stable hierarchical society. The population was divided into five groups: Ingera (legitimacy of birth or formation of a new family), Aramari (Main clan), Tauti (children and grandchildren of the Aramari), other house and other population. These groups were governed by a relatively strict hierarchy, which was quite representative of the Polynesian social lifestyles.
However, when the Protestant missionary fathers of the London Missionary Society arrived in Tahiti in 1797, they began to encourage Tahitians to adapt to a more modern European culture. Since the Christian religion held a central place in their thinking, they supported education and their efforts led to a dramatic social and cultural change.
In the space of two decades, the importance of the Christian religion has increased and several social changes have taken place. The family structure and social status of women became relatively more equal, and trade with Europe led to significant economic development. Primitive peasants settled close to towns, and the effects of European varieties of wheat and other grains contributed greatly to dietary reform.
The arrival of Europeans in Tahiti
After the arrival of Europeans, a large number of people from all over the world came to Tahiti. European inhabitants settled in Tahiti; they opened shops, post offices and houses. The European population also included whalers, hunters, missionaries, naturalists, explorers and observers.
Later, Catholic missionaries arrived in Tahiti, and they settled on the island of Moorea. In addition, a marked difference was the taking possession by Europeans of the Tuamotu Islands, which served as a testing ground for the realization of European plans.
In 1842, the Europeans bought and received the unilateral declaration of independence from the checks-territories of the various islands. Since 1844, Tahiti has become the capital of the modern Polynesian nation. With this, a large number of people from all over the world followed, including the population of the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas Islands, Samoa and New Zealand.
How were Europeans counted in Tahiti?
With the increase in the number of European arrivals, it became necessary to create words and expressions in Polynesian to describe them. This made it possible to show to what extent the European population of the time was organized and distributed in the Polynesian territories.
The term used to refer to Europeans originally was “Ofi” or the word “To’i” which literally meant “one who has come”. This term was linked to specific specifications and designated a “foreigner” from another country.
Word “Mero” was used to describe all European people in a broader sense and in general. It literally meant “white”, since most Europeans were the first to wear white clothes. This word was generally used to refer to whites who came by boat, but also referred to whites living in Tahiti.
Groups of Europeans in Tahiti
Another term used to describe Europeans in Tahiti was “Sapati”. This term referred to Spaniards who had come from their country on board ships. The word “Ho’a” referred to those who had come from Great Britain.
The distinction between the two groups also lay in the fact that the “Ho’a” were the largest and most affluent European population – the population consisted of skilled workers, civil servants, landowners, shipowners and shippers. The majority of the Ho’a in Tahiti were traders or members of the British Navy and Indian Empire.
In addition, the term “Uru” designated people from other Polynesian islands who had come to Tahiti to work and live. They were mainly the inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands and the inhabitants of the Tuamotu who were looking for a better quality of life.
The different professions of Europeans in Tahiti
In this changing community, there was a wide range of occupations. These occupations included farmers, artisans, laborers, navigators, merchants, officers, doctors, missionaries, scholars, cooks, barbers, travellers, steamers, whalers, and others.
Most of the farmers and craftsmen were refugees who had fled from European wars, especially the Napoleonic war. Farmers settled on leased or acquired land on the island, while craftsmen opened shops or worked in factories.
In addition, the British Navy was also present in Tahiti. Officers, sailors and senior officers who had a high rank settled on the island and contributed to foreign trade.
European brands in Tahiti and their consequences
Europeans also came with European products and brands unknown to Tahiti, transforming the daily lives of local inhabitants. TEA British brands Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury and Tesco, as well as the French brands Carrefour and Leclerc, are now present in Tahiti.
Also, trade and finance have changed. A currency was introduced and increasing financial complexity set in. Due to these new developments, banks opened their doors in Tahiti and secured credit and loan systems were put in place.
Conclusion
Since their arrival in Tahiti in 1844, Europeans have largely contributed to Polynesian culture and are still present today. With their arrival, the country has seen many changes, especially in terms of language and ethnicity. Their presence meant the distribution of European populations in Polynesian territories and their distinctions using Polynesian words and expressions.
Moreover, Europeans brought European brands that changed the lifestyle of Tahitians forever. European brands brought novelties and products to Tahiti and helped preserve the Polynesian identity while modernizing it.
Comparative table between European populations and Polynesian populations
| Strengths of the Europeans | Strengths of the Polynesians |
|---|---|
| Social rigidity and hierarchy | Adjustment due to European culture |
| Cash | Traditional units |
| Participation in trade | rural economy |
| Technological progress | Primitive production system |
| Regulations | None |
| social rules | Barbarians |
In short, this article has shown us how European populations integrated into Tahiti and how their trades, their language and their manners changed Polynesian customs. Even if Polynesian words and expressions to describe Europeans are no longer used today, they bear witness to the impact of the arrival of European populations in Tahiti.