User:KAVEBEAR/Upufara

Opuhara (1776–1815) was a Tahitian district chief or Ari‘irahi of Papara who opposed the Christianization of Tahiti and the rule of Pōmare II.

He was born to High Chief Teuraiterai and High Chiefess Tetau i Ravea Teahupoo. His father Teuraiterai was the son of High Chief Manea, the ruling chief of Papara and head of the Teva clan of southern Tahiti. Manea was the brother of High Chief Amo who along with his wife Purea were the Tahitian chiefs to receive the first European explorers to the island under Captain Samuel Wallis of HMS Dolphin. After his grandfather death, Tatit suceeded as chief of Papara.

The Teva family of Papara was considered the most influential in the island of Tahiti. At the turn of the 18th century, the Pōmare Dynasty emerged and with the assistance of the Europeans consilidated most of Tahiti under their rule. The chiefs of Papara predeccesors were allies with Pōmare I and Tati was allowed to remain an autonomous chief under his rule, although a rivalry soon develop between the two families. This rivalry came into full play when Pōmare II led a suprise attack on Papara. Tati fled for his life to the distant island of Bora Bora, leaving behind his younger brother Opuhara, who was able to defeat Pōmare in December 22, 1808 and force him off Tahiti to the island of Moorea. It would take another seven years before Pōmare II was able to regain Tahiti and defeat Opuhara at the Battle of Te Feipī in November 15, 1815.

Tati returned to Tahiti