Publications
The Aotea Protocol: Forensic Reconstruction of the Tahitian Successor State in Aotearoa
Forensic analysis reveals that Māori settlement in Aotearoa (New Zealand) constituted a sovereign extension of the Tahitian High Council at Taputapuātea, with waka (canoes) functioning as executive state portfolios. This challenges 180 years of systemic erasure by British occupation and asserts continuing jurisdiction under the Aotea Executive Seat. The 'Protocol of Absence' demonstrates that the Aotea Seat in Raiatea was left vacant not for abandonment, but to signify jurisdictional extension, with the naming of Aotearoa establishing permanent legal intent (Animus Possidendi) to possess and govern. Verification draws from historical documents including the Original Signatory List (1835), Māori Land Court Minute Books, S. Percy Smith's archives, and Whakaki Marae genealogical records.
French Polynesia
In July 2017, the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for Marae Taputapuātea, a significant Polynesian temple complex on Raiatea island, marked a pivotal moment in recognizing traditional Polynesian culture and spirituality. The site, renowned for its megalithic architecture and historical importance as a spiritual center predating European contact, was inscribed after sustained lobbying by local cultural organizations and politicians. However, the listing under French sovereignty—rather than as a pan-Polynesian monument—reflects ongoing colonial dynamics, despite France's defiance of UN decolonization resolutions. The designation also highlights a resurgence in traditional Polynesian spirituality, exemplified by figures like Sunny Moanaura Walker, while underscoring unresolved political tensions between French Polynesia and France regarding sovereignty.
The marae of Taputapuātea (Ra’iatea, Society Islands) in 2016: nature, age and origin of coral erected stones
Research on the Taputapuātea marae in Ra'iatea, Society Islands, reveals that its erected stones are fossilized microatolls—corals (Porites) that thrived during a Holocene sea level 0.80 meters higher than today, dating back 3 to 5 millennia. These findings challenge prior descriptions of the stones as mere 'limestone slabs,' highlighting their biological origin and ancient context. U/Th dating of 38 samples, including microatolls and coral fill blocks, also confirms that the marae's construction occurred between the 17th and 18th centuries. The study suggests that Polynesians likely collected these fossilized remains from the site, leaving others still buried underground.
An exploratory survey method for archaeoastronomy, applied to standing stones at the hauviri and taputapuātea maraes, Ra'iātea
A systematic survey method for archaeoastronomical research, applied to standing stones at the Hauviri and Taputapuātea maraes in Ra’iātea, has identified a potential alignment with significant navigational stars during the Matariki season around AD1250. This finding suggests that the stones may serve as an analogue 'star compass,' guiding voyages or commemorating important celestial events. The method, designed for rapid, low-cost data collection, provides accurate azimuth comparisons and rich positional data, enabling further in-depth analysis. While the study confirms one specific scenario deserving deeper investigation, it also establishes a benchmark dataset for future research on Polynesian archaeoastronomy.
From the valley to the shore: A hypothesis of the spatial evolution of ceremonial centres on Tahiti and Ra‘iatea, Society Islands
A spatial shift in ceremonial centres from inland to coastal locations occurred on Tahiti and Ra‘iatea, Society Islands, between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This evolution was driven by political influences, particularly from Ra‘iatea’s Opoa chiefdom, which likely shaped Tahitian polities through the establishment of new marae (sacred complexes) and sacred landscapes. The study integrates archaeological data, ethnohistoric records, and toponymic analysis to reconstruct the ethnohistories of Tahitian chiefdoms—Vaiari, Papara, and Manotahi (Puna‘auia)—revealing a pattern of ceremonial centre relocation that mirrors Ra‘iatea’s model. This suggests a broader influence of Opoa on Windward Islands’ political and religious landscapes.
Archaeology, local history and community in French Polynesia
Archaeological research at Marae Taputapuātea, a prominent ceremonial stone site in French Polynesia, highlights its potential to deepen local community connections with their heritage. This study demonstrates how archaeology can serve as a tool for cultural revitalization and World Heritage nomination efforts, even when direct archaeological findings are not central to the project. The research employs a community-driven approach, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific inquiry to explore the social landscape of the marae. By focusing on the interplay between local history and contemporary aspirations, this work underscores the importance of collaborative projects in preserving Polynesian cultural identity amid rapid social change.
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