Tupaia: Captain Cook's Polynesian Navigator

Tupaia was a Polynesian navigator who sailed with Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean. He was a skilled navigator and astronomer, and he helped Cook to chart the islands of the Pacific. Tupaia was also a valuable cultural interpreter, and he helped Cook to understand the customs and traditions of the Polynesian people.

Tupaia: Captain Cook's Polynesian Navigator

by Joan Druett

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25110 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	348 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
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Early life

Tupaia was born on the island of Ra'iatea in the Society Islands. He was a member of the Ari'i class, the highest social class in Polynesian society. Tupaia was a skilled navigator and astronomer, and he was also a priest and a warrior. He was well-versed in the Polynesian oral tradition, and he was able to recite long genealogies and stories about the gods and goddesses.

Meeting Captain Cook

In 1769, Captain Cook arrived in Tahiti on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Cook was looking for a skilled navigator to help him chart the islands of the Pacific, and he was told about Tupaia. Tupaia agreed to sail with Cook, and he became an invaluable member of the expedition.

The voyage of the Endeavour

The Endeavour set sail from Tahiti in August 1769. Tupaia guided the ship through the islands of the Pacific, and he helped Cook to make contact with the local people. Tupaia was also able to provide Cook with valuable information about the islands, their people, and their customs.

The Endeavour reached New Zealand in October 1769, and Tupaia helped Cook to establish good relations with the Maori people. Tupaia was able to translate for Cook, and he helped to negotiate a peace treaty between the two groups.

The Endeavour continued on to Australia, and Tupaia continued to be a valuable member of the expedition. He helped Cook to chart the coast of Australia, and he also helped to collect specimens of plants and animals.

Later life

The Endeavour returned to England in 1771. Tupaia stayed in England for a few months, and he became a celebrity. He was presented to King George III, and he was made a member of the Royal Society. However, Tupaia was eager to return to his home, and he eventually sailed back to Tahiti in 1773.

Tupaia died in Tahiti in 1774. He was a great navigator and explorer, and he played a vital role in the success of Captain Cook's first voyage to the Pacific Ocean.

Legacy

Tupaia is remembered as one of the greatest navigators of all time. He was a skilled astronomer, and he was able to guide Captain Cook through the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Tupaia was also a valuable cultural interpreter, and he helped Cook to understand the customs and traditions of the Polynesian people.

Tupaia's legacy lives on today. He is a national hero in Tahiti, and his name is given to schools, streets, and parks. Tupaia's story is also a reminder of the importance of cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Image gallery

Bibliography

• Beaglehole, J. C. (1968). The Journals of Captain James Cook on His Voyages of Discovery. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Corney, B. G. (1915). The Voyages of Captain Cook. London: Hakluyt Society.
• Edwards, E. (1976). Tupaia: Man of Two Worlds. Sydney: Reed Books.
• Howe, K. R. (1984). Where the Waves Fall: A New South Sea Islands History from First Settlement to Colonial Rule. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
• Percival, W. P. (1980). Captain Cook in the South Pacific. Christchurch: Whitcoulls.

Tupaia: Captain Cook's Polynesian Navigator

by Joan Druett

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25110 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	348 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE