Great families of Polynesia : inter-island links and marriage patterns

Abstract

Examines the inter-island links and marriage patterns of the great ruling and sacred families of Polynesia in the four traditional periods, the age of the gods, the legendary period of the national or tribal ancestors, and semi-legendary first genealogical period and the fourth period which commences with an ancestor from whom living chiefs can trace their descent without contradiction. Introduces a fifth period dealing with the great families since European contact and the rise of independent monarchies. Emphasises the interdependent yet dichotomous nature of tribal culture, the principal example being the relationship between Tonga and Samoa which originally appeared to be culturally distinct but socially one unit made up of two moieties.

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