Kingdom of Bora Bora

Quick Facts: Who was Kingdom of Bora Bora?

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Kingdom of Bora Bora

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Polynesian kingdom that achieved temporary independence before annexation by France.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Kingdom of Bora Bora was established during the early 19th century with the unification of the island of Bora Bora and official recognition by France and the United Kingdom in 1847 through the Jarnac Convention. It was one of a number of independent Polynesian states in the Society Islands, alongside Tahiti, Huahine and Raiatea in the 19th century, which all shared a similar language and culture and whose rulers were interrelated by marriage. Besides Bora Bora, the Kingdom encompassed the islands of Tupai, Maupiti, Maupihaa, Motu One, and Manuae. The Kingdom was finally annexed to France in 1888 and its last queen Teriimaevarua III was replaced by a French vice-resident in 1895. The history of Bora Bora is marked by the rivalry of two clans: one based near Faanui, consisting of families attached to the marae Farerua, and the other consisting of the families of Nunue and Anau around the marae Vaiotaha, which was long among the most important marae of Polynesia.

Career & Major Achievements

There was also a rivalry between Bora Bora and Raʻiātea for religious power. Initially, there was a similarity between the institutions of Bora Bora and Raiatea, which suggests that the two islands exercised joint religious and political authority over the other Leeward Islands. However, Raiatea ultimately became the center of religious power, while Bora-Bora retained a particularly strong military power, expressed both in internal wars and in wars with rival islands. According to Tupaia, who came from Raʻiātea, Bora Bora was originally a place of exile for thieves and other wrongdoers. These outcasts eventually became pirates, who raided the other islands.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the 18th century a great chief, Puni (Teihotu Matarua), succeeded in dominating the island's other clans. He then conquered Tahaa and attacked Raʻiātea, which he conquered in 1763 after a three-year campaign. In 1769, when James Cook landed at Tahaa and Raʻiātea, the islands were still dominated by Puni and his Bora Bora warriors. At Puni's death, his nephew Tapoa I, paramount chief of Bora Bora, Raiatea and Tahaa, settled at Raʻiātea, leaving local power to the chiefs Ma'i III and Tefa'aora I, originally of Nunue and Anau, and members of the marae of Vaiotaha. The first clear mention of the island was by the Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen in 1722.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1722: 1722 Milestone — The first clear mention of the island was by the Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen in 1722.
2. 1763: 1763 Milestone — He then conquered Tahaa and attacked Raʻiātea, which he conquered in 1763 after a three-year campaign.
3. 1769: 1769 Milestone — In 1769, when James Cook landed at Tahaa and Raʻiātea, the islands were still dominated by Puni and his Bora Bora warriors.
4. 1847: 1847 Milestone — The Kingdom of Bora Bora was established during the early 19th century with the unification of the island of Bora Bora and official recognition by France and the United Kingdom in 1847 through the Jarnac Convention.
5. 1888: 1888 Milestone — The Kingdom was finally annexed to France in 1888 and its last queen Teriimaevarua III was replaced by a French vice-resident in 1895.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kingdom of Bora Bora

True or False: “Did the Jarnac Convention guarantee the perpetual sovereignty of all Polynesian islands in the Society group?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The convention only committed its two signatories, France and Great Britain, to recognize the independence of the Leeward Islands.

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