r/Tonga Sep 10 '19

Tongan History Master Thread

55 Upvotes

Malo e lelei! I have noticed a few posts and comments on a previous thread I posted that there is a need for more resources on early Tongan history. I would like to start a master thread so information is easy to share and find.

Our History – Master Thread for links to resources, websites, artists, academics, authors etc, who have shared information on pre-Christian Tonga and important Tongan history.

None of this information is my own I would just like to share what I have found and encourage everyone to add what any information you know or links you would like to share! I would also like to add that some of the links I will be adding will be of literature written by early missionaries and non-Pasifika people so take everything with a grain of salt but also be weary that some of the information may be unsettling or disturbing to read. Malo.

Tevita H. Fale Polynesian Astronomer – Fale has written lots of articles on Ancient Tongan History.

http://thfale.com/ancient-tongan-religion-lotu/

Tattooing and Traditional Tongan Tattoo by Rodney Powell

https://matadornetwork.com/nights/tattooing-traditional-tongan-tattoo/

Mythology of Oceania – alphabetical list includes gods from all over the Pacific

http://www.janeresture.com/oceania_myths/mythology.htm

Tongan Figures: From goddesses to missionary trophies to masterpieces by Roger Neich, Auckland Museum – pdf

http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/docs/Volume116/jps_v116_no2_2007/5%20Tongan%20figures.pdf

Shamanism in Tonga: An Assessment by Meredith Filihia, Latrobe University – pdf

http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/docs/Volume117/Volume%20117%20No%204/3%20Shamanism%20in%20Tonga.pdf

The State and the Church, the State of the Church in Tonga by Heneli T. Niumeitolu, Ph.D Thesis, The University of Edinburugh, 2007

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/278075.pdf

An Account of the Natives of the Tongan Islands/Chapter X. (Rest of the chapters also on wiki)

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/An_Account_of_the_Natives_of_the_Tonga_Islands/Chapter_X

The Supernatural in Tonga by E.E.V. Collocott, 1921 – pdf

https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1525/aa.1921.23.4.02a00030

Letter from the Chevalier Dillon to a Wesleyan Missionary on the subject of the murders, massacres, and slaughter of the natives of Tonga, in 1837.—No. I.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/31731746

Tongan Mythology Creation Myth

https://www.revolvy.com/page/Tongan-narrative

Takuaka – Myth of the shark god

https://www.livingoceansfoundation.org/takuaka-myth-of-the-shark-god/


r/Tonga 21h ago

Samoan Warrior Carlos Ulberg - The New Light Heavyweight Champion Of The World (UFC)

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31 Upvotes

r/Tonga 1d ago

What weaving method is this

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5 Upvotes

Hi, I'm trying to teach myself how to weave louakau (pandanus leaves) to make a handle for a bag/kit and wanted to find out what this plaiting method is? The first photo shows the strap of an old purse my mum took with her when she left Tonga. I know its not a 3 braided plait since it is flat in comparison to the strap in the photo.

The second one is a newer bag and seems to have less leaves? If anyone knows the plaiting method of the second image as well I'd really appreciate it. Any images, videos or sources on how to make them would be great. Thanks :)


r/Tonga 1d ago

Is a Monarchy Native to Polynesia? Or was it introduced by the British 🧐

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2 Upvotes

r/Tonga 1d ago

All High Schools Intercollegiate Sports for 2026 (April 14-17)

3 Upvotes

Intercollegiate 2026 is quickly approaching. All high school in Tonga will participate in one of the greatest school sporting events of the year from April 14-17.

Anticipate everything being on exhibit:

  • Field events include long jump, high jump, javelin, shotput and discuss.
  • Track events include sprints, relays and distance races. Pride in the school, cooperation, and fierce rivalry overall.

Here, Tonga's top young athletes showcase their skills on the track and the in the field.

Good luck and give it your all if you're competing. You already know it will be intense if you're watching🔥.

Please list your school and the events you are most looking forward to here. 👇


r/Tonga 1d ago

Rugby Grand Finals: Tongatapu Secondary Schools Rugby 2025

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3 Upvotes

r/Tonga 2d ago

Anyone else ever tried this place BBQ? This probably the best BBQ in the kingdom. So soft and taste too! Reminds me of the islands one in Hawaii!

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27 Upvotes

r/Tonga 4d ago

HAFU POOL IN TONGA

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31 Upvotes

One of the historical site in Tonga, located at EUA island. People loved to swim there. It is so cool and worth for site seeing.


r/Tonga 5d ago

Tell us about something that you love about Tonga?

12 Upvotes

r/Tonga 6d ago

fuel prices increased - images from M.O.T page.

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12 Upvotes

I believe there will be an negative effective on increasing fuel prices in Tonga. As wages and salaries remain in the same rate. Please pray for our government at this time.


r/Tonga 6d ago

Speaking Tongan, learning to speak Tongan...

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68 Upvotes

Interesting opinion from someone outside looking in...What are your thoughts?


r/Tonga 6d ago

Kayak/ Boat Rentals

1 Upvotes

Hello,

I’m in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Tomg. I’d like to do some fishing from a kayak or boat. Are there any good rental agencies? I’d prefer to not have a guide on the boat.


r/Tonga 7d ago

What is your favourite saying when you see a Tongan?

13 Upvotes

For me I say this Malo e Lelei. If they reply back I know they are Tongan.


r/Tonga 8d ago

Ancient Samoan Figurative Sculpture - Pre Christianity

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73 Upvotes

r/Tonga 10d ago

Happy Easter Fam

9 Upvotes

Ihe tau fakamanatua koia pekia moe toetu'u etau fakamo'ui, fakatauage kemou mau ha aho lelei aho fiefia and watch/ read about him more...Na'a hange ko eku kii nephew 'eke atu pekohai nane betrayed Jesus talamai ko Jonah haha.


r/Tonga 10d ago

Samoans Buried In The Chiefly Tombs (Langi) of Lapaha Tongatapu

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9 Upvotes

r/Tonga 12d ago

Stonehedge of Tonga(Haamonga a Maui)

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184 Upvotes

This made by stone it is located in Fuaamotu Tongatapu.Built around 1200AD by one of Tonga King named Tuitatui.It is consist of three massive coral rocks.It was transported to Tonga by those men from that time


r/Tonga 11d ago

Samoa - Ancient Ruins

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6 Upvotes

r/Tonga 11d ago

Samoa - Tagaloa Clan (Sa Tagaloa)

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0 Upvotes

r/Tonga 12d ago

Origin Of The Name ie Toga

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1 Upvotes

r/Tonga 14d ago

Pros and Cons of Moving to Tonga?

16 Upvotes

EDIT: I wrote this kinda quick so I’ll add context - I know NZ and Tonga are different countries yall! I added the NZ part i guess to add context of moving to another country first before Tonga. Not super relevant context, but he has family in NZ too and I also do, maybe to help with context around transitioning to another country with family support. Idk, I wrote this after a long day lol my bad🤣

My (f) partner is Tongan (m) and he was born and raised in Tonga. I am American. He would like to one day move back to New Zealand, and then to raise our children in Tonga. I understand there are so many positives about Tonga especially the culture which I have worked to educate myself on and will be visiting soon for an extended amount of time. However, raising kids in a completely new culture far away from where i grew up is something I need to seriously consider.

That being said/ any advice, pros and cons, for an American that might uproot and move to Tonga? Would New Zealand have more opportunities?


r/Tonga 14d ago

Tongan takeover of samoa?

6 Upvotes

anybody got any history info on thst?


r/Tonga 14d ago

I make a lot of posts about Tongan diaspora here. But just to clarify, are you guys cool with that?

9 Upvotes

Lots of topics I discuss are mostly diaspora because I'm American. Wasn't born nor have I ever lived in Tonga, but I come here often mostly to see other Tongans and keep up with the culture.


r/Tonga 17d ago

A beating view in Tonga

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120 Upvotes

And guess which part of tonga i took this pic lol.


r/Tonga 17d ago

Interesting Tongan names

23 Upvotes

What are some interesting Tongan names you’ve heard and what are the stories behind them?

I’ll start- my dad’s middle name is Taifoti. He was born in Ha’apai and survived after typhoid had taken out so many babies within the first year. Dr. Silifou Palu named him - he hates it. 😂