Taputapuātea


Publications

The Aotea Protocol: Forensic Reconstruction of the Tahitian Successor State in Aotearoa

2026 — Article — WHE5FD112D9D1

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 Verification draws from historical documents including the Original Signatory List (1835), Māori Land Court Minute Books, S. Percy Smith's archives, and Whakaki Marae genealogical records.

The marae of Taputapuātea (Ra’iatea, Society Islands) in 2016: nature, age and origin of coral erected stones

2019 — Article — WHEAEF10908E7

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

2018 — Article — WHE180777DAF8

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.

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