Pacific royalty, past and present: German interactions with pre-existing elites on Pohnpei

German interactions with Pohnpeian elites between 1870 and 1914 reveal a complex interplay of imperial ambitions and indigenous socio-political structures. The study highlights how German visitors, drawn to the ruins of Nan Madolinterpreted these ancient ceremonial centers through the lens of monarchy, often identifying local elites as 'kings.' This period marked a shift from Spanish nominal control to German colonial influence, with German perceptions shaping their engagement with Pohnpeian society. The research sheds light on how external narratives of royalty intersected with pre-existing hierarchies, offering insights into the cultural and political dynamics of late 19th- and early 20th-century Micronesia.

Howes, H. (2021). Pacific royalty, past and present: German interactions with pre-existing elites on Pohnpei. History Australia, 18(2), 257–282. https://doi.org/10.1080/14490854.2021.1918559