Tupaia (navigator)

Tupaia's map, c. 1769.

A Māori and Pākehā man trading a crayfish, drawing by Tupaia,

Tupaia (died 1770) was a Polynesian navigator and priest from the island of Ra'iatea in what is now French Polynesia. He is best known for his role in assisting James Cook during the first voyage of exploration of the HMS Endeavour from 1768 to 1771. Tupaia's remarkable navigational skills and knowledge of the islands in the South Pacific were of great assistance to Cook and his crew, helping to facilitate the exploration of the Pacific Ocean.

Early Life

Little is known about Tupaia's early life. He was born on Ra'iatea, an island in the Society Islands group. Tupaia was a high priest and navigator, roles that were often intertwined in Polynesian society, where navigation and religion were closely connected. His skills and knowledge were not only in navigation but also in the genealogies of the various islands and their inhabitants, which were crucial for establishing connections and alliances.

Role in James Cook's Voyage

In 1769, Tupaia met James Cook and the crew of the HMS Endeavour in Tahiti. Cook was on a scientific voyage to the Pacific, tasked with observing the transit of Venus across the sun and exploring the southern oceans for signs of the postulated Terra Australis Incognita. Tupaia expressed a desire to join the expedition, and his offer was accepted due to his navigational skills and his ability to communicate with the Polynesian peoples.

Tupaia proved invaluable as an interpreter and mediator between the Europeans and the various Polynesian groups they encountered. His knowledge of the geography of the Pacific was extensive, and he was able to chart a map that included over 70 islands, some of which had not been previously known to Europeans.

Death and Legacy

Tupaia died in Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia) in 1770, during the return journey of the Endeavour to England. His death was a significant loss to the expedition and to Cook, who had come to rely on his expertise and knowledge.

Tupaia's contributions to the success of Cook's first voyage have been increasingly recognized in recent years. He played a crucial role in facilitating the exploration and mapping of the Pacific and in the interactions between Europeans and Polynesians. His navigational skills and knowledge of Polynesian culture and society were unparalleled, making him a key figure in the history of Pacific exploration.

See Also

• James Cook
• Polynesian navigation
• HMS Endeavour
• Exploration of the Pacific

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