Valentino Riroroko Tuki

Valentino Riroroko Tuki (born 1932) is a claimant to the Rapa Nui throne of the Easter Islands. He is the grandson of Riro Kāinga.[1]

Valentino Riroroko Tuki
Titular King of Rapa Nui
ReignJuly 2011–present
PredecessorRiro Kāinga (last generally recognized king)
Moisés Tuʻu Hereveri (last elected king)
Born1932
SpouseAndrea Laharoa

Biography

He was born in 1932. He was the son of the youngest son of Riro Kāinga.[2][3]

In 2011, the Rapa Nui Parliament unilaterally declared Riroroko as king.[1] He was crowned later that year in July. Before becoming king, he was a fisherman and farmer on the islands.[4]

Continuing the fight of his ancestors, Riroroko has advanced the position Easter Island should be its own country separate from Chile.[2] Writing for the Griffith Journal of Law & Human Dignity, Leonardo A. Crippa writes, "While Riroroko’s coronation could be seen as merely symbolic, it may prove critical to the Rapa Nui Nation’s overall efforts to rebuild its government and regain control of its territory."[5]

Riroroko appears in the 2014 documentary Treasures Decoded: Easter Island Heads, in which he asks for the return of the Hoa Hakananai'a from the British Museum.[6]

References

  1. Romero, Simon (October 6, 2012). "Slow-Burning Challenge to Chile on Easter Island". New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  2. Simonetti, Marcelo (November 12, 2011). "El último Rey de la Isla de Pascua". Mapuche International. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  3. Pakarati, Cristián Moreno (2015) [2010]. Los últimos 'Ariki Mau y la evolución del poder político en Rapa Nui. p. 12.
  4. Nelson, Aaron (March 30, 2012). "A Quest for Independence: Who Will Rule Easter Island's Stone Heads?". Time. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  5. Crippa, Crippa (November 2014). "TE PITO TE HENUA: The Inspiring Rapa Nui Nation's Efforts to Rebuild Its Government and Regain Control of Its Territory". Griffith Journal of Law & Human Dignity. 2 (2): 253. ISSN 2203-3114. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  6. Boersema, Jan J. (April 13, 2015). The Survival of Easter Island. Cambridge University Press. p. 248. ISBN 9781107027701. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
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