Pitcairn Tapa: 'Ahu no Hitiaurevareva

Abstract

There is an ancient Tahitian legend about a Tahitian princess named Hauvana'a. She married Tuihiti, chief of the distant island Hitiaurevareva The legend contains genealogical references belonging to the royal families of Tahiti, along with specific directions to Hitiaurevareva which guided navigators back and forth to Tahiti. By memorising star paths, currents and islands in oral legends and chants, navigators were able to visualise dynamic mindmaps, which eventually led them home or to a new land. After making the long and treacherous journey from Tahiti, Hauvana'a and Tuihiti arrived at their new home, where Hauvana'a discovered a people like her own, who spoke a similar language, harvested the same plants and wore the same clothing or 'ahu as in Tahiti. Hitiaurevareva is Pitcairn Island.