By Ma’u Henua Communications Department.
Last July, nearly a thousand people—including local community members, guests, and tourists—gathered at Haŋa Rau Bay on Rapa Nui, to witness the sixth annual of He Tomo Iŋa o te ‘Ariki ki Haŋa Rau, a commemoration that recreates the arrival of ‘Ariki Hotu Matu’a to the island.
With a historical overview and the ‘Umu Hatu as a prelude, the day began with the reenactment of rapa nui oral tradition—He ‘uruŋa o Haumaka, Kimi Ma’ara, and Haka ‘Ara ‘Ariki, which narrate the revelatory dream and the journey to the new land—leading up to the arrival of Hotu Matu’a and Vakai’s boats. The central moment was the birth of Tu’u Maheke, son of Vakai and the first Rapa Nui born on the island: the moment that tradition recognizes as the birth of the rapa nui people.
The commemoration continued at Ahu Nau-Nau, with the reenactment of ‘Ariŋa Ora and artistic performances of Riu and ‘Utē, traditional songs that sustain the island’s oral tradition. The day concluded in the Palmeras sector with the ‘Umu mo te Mahiŋo, a communal curanto shared among the attendees as a gesture of unity.
“Thank you to all the keepers of knowledge, artists, and the Ma’u Henua team for bringing to life once again what allows us to pass on this important milestone in our history to new generations,” said ‘Ariki Tepano Martin, president of Ma’u Henua Indigenous Community.
