Te Hati Reŋa a Roŋo Pu‘a: One identified Rapanui man and another yet unknown

Abstract

This shorter communication reviews a previous discussion (December 2014 issue) of an unidentified “dancing Rapanui man” and offers a definitive identification of him as Te Hati Reŋa a Roŋo Pu‘a, an elder historically important to Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The vivid dance performance created and presented by Te Hati Reŋa a Roŋo Pu‘a when a “doorpost” was given or sold to American visitors aboard the Carnegie anchored at Rapa Nui in late 1916 highlights his active role in the preservation of cultural memory through art. An as yet unidentified man, likely Rapanui based upon his forehead tattoo, was previously identified as Te Hati Reŋa a Roŋo Pu‘a. This identity is withdrawn, and the man, certainly photographed by the Mana Expedition and perhaps while subsequently visiting Mangareva, remains to be identified.