Mark's Pages

"[Tupaia] told his companions that the high chiefs of Tahiti and Ra'iatea had originally used Borabora as a kind of Alcatraz, a place of exile for thieves and other criminals. Over the years, however, its population had grown, and the Boraborans turned to piracy, seizing canoes at sea and confiscating their cargoes. When the high chief Puni came to power on the island, he had forged his warriors into a strong army, inspiring them with imperial ambitions. First they attacked the nearby island of Tahaa, conquering it decisively. Emboldened by this success, they descended upon the sacred island of Ra'iatea, where the people fought bravely in defense of their high chief until, three years later, the Borabora warriors finally killed him. His young son was invested with the red feather girdle and his father's titles, and reigned on the island until Puni gathered a great army and attacked in force, conquering his people. Tupaia, who had fought in this last battle, was wounded and fled to the mountains."

— Anne Salmond, The Trial of the Cannibal Dog