Cook Islands
See also: History of the Cook IslandsEach island in the Cook Islands was ruled by a number of ariki (high chiefs). Rarotonga had about five or six, and most of the other islands had about three. Each ariki ruled an ivi or ngati (tribe). Beneath each ariki in the social hierarchy were a number of mataiapo and rangatira (minor chiefs) of noble rank.
A chief's control over his people was related to his mana (power), which came not only from his birth but also from his achievements and status, and could be gained or lost. An ariki who lost popularity with his people could also be seen as having a decline in mana, which could have led to his loss of control.
Having a control of tapu (sacred matters) was a powerful weapon for the ariki. For supernatural reasons, certain activities were forbidden and since the ariki had control over what was or was not forbidden, this gave him considerable power. It was the people's strong belief in an ariki's mana and control over all things tapu that allowed them to take control of their people without the need for physical enforcement.
The ariki, mataiapo and rangatira titles are passed down through the family to the present day. Some of the ancient ceremonies and traditions are still being practiced in the Cook Islands.
The House of Ariki (Are Ariki) is a parliamentary body in the Cook Islands. It was established in 1967 shortly after self-government. It is composed of the Cook Islands high chiefs and was created to marginalize the ariki, giving them dignity but very limited power.
Read more about this topic: Ariki
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