History of Makemo

Foundation and History of Discovery

The history of Makemo Atoll is rooted in ancient times when Polynesian navigators began settling the Tuamotu Archipelago. According to oral traditions, these lands were inhabited long before the arrival of Europeans, and the central figure of local folklore is the legendary hero and chief Moeava, who was renowned for his strength and wisdom.

For the Western world, the island was discovered in the early 19th century. The first European to spot the atoll in 1803 was the English trader John Turnbull, who named it "Phillips Island". Later, in 1820, the Russian expedition of Thaddeus Bellingshausen approached its shores, and he mapped the island under the name "Kutuzov Island".

Key Factors of Development

The development of the settlement on Makemo was largely determined by unique geographical characteristics that distinguished it from other islands in the region, which is today part of the overseas community of French Polynesia.

• Lagoon Accessibility: The main advantage of the atoll was the presence of two navigable passes — Arikitamiro and Pouheva. This allowed vessels to enter the protected lagoon without hindrance, transforming Makemo into an important anchorage and trading hub.
• Strategic Location: Located in the central part of the archipelago, the atoll naturally became the administrative centre for the neighbouring islands.

Early Culture and Economy

The traditional lifestyle of the islanders was formed in close connection with the ocean. The early economy and culture were based on the use of the limited resources of the coral island.

• Copra Production: With the development of trade in the 19th century, the basis of the economy became the production of copra (dried coconut meat), which was exchanged for goods brought by European ships.
• Gifts of the Sea: The lagoon has always been a source of sustenance and wealth. In addition to fishing, the collection of mother-of-pearl shells played an important role, and later the tradition of pearl harvesting emerged, becoming the hallmark of the region.

Key Dates in History

• Ancient Times: The Makemo Atoll is settled by Polynesian navigators and becomes known in legends as the land of the great chief Moeava.
• 1803: English trader John Turnbull is the first European to discover the island and names it "Phillips Island".
• 1820: The Russian Antarctic expedition of Thaddeus Bellingshausen maps the atoll under the name "Kutuzov Island".
• Mid-19th Century: Catholic missionaries arrive on the island, marking the beginning of the spread of Christianity among the local population.
• 1880: The territory is officially annexed by France, becoming part of its colonial possessions in Oceania.
• Early 20th Century: The production and export of copra (dried coconut meat) becomes the foundation of the island's economy.
• 1930s: Construction of a stone church, which became an important architectural and spiritual centre for the community.
• 1960s: Gradual modernization of the islanders' way of life, the appearance of the first electric generators, and improvement of communications.
• 1976: Opening of an airport with a paved runway, ensuring regular air service with the island of Tahiti.
• 1977: Makemo receives the status of the administrative centre of a commune uniting several neighbouring atolls of the archipelago.
• 1980s: The first farms for cultivating black pearls begin to be created in the lagoon, quickly becoming the main source of income.
• 1990s: Expansion of the infrastructure of the Pouheva settlement, construction of a new wharf for cargo ships.
• 1998: Opening of a college (secondary school), allowing children from surrounding islands to receive education closer to home.
• 2004: French Polynesia receives the status of an overseas community, which expands the powers of local self-government on the atoll.

Stages of the Atoll's Transformation

The development of Makemo is a journey from a secluded community to a bustling administrative and educational hub of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Here are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance and economy of the island:

• Missionary Activity and Church Construction (19th Century). The arrival of Catholic missionaries radically changed the cultural landscape. The erection of a majestic stone church in the village of Pouheva not only united the community spiritually but also gave the atoll its main architectural landmark, which serves as a reference point for sailors to this day.
• Integration into Trade Routes (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). The transition to large-scale copra production included the island in the general economic system being built by French Polynesia. This contributed to the appearance of the first trade warehouses and made the lagoon an important point on the route for cargo schooners.
• Opening of the Airport (1976). The construction of a paved runway became a turning point in urban planning. Regular air service with Tahiti ended isolation, ensuring rapid cargo delivery and opportunities for small business development.
• Obtaining Administrative Centre Status (1977). Designating the atoll as the capital of the commune led to the centralization of management. This entailed the construction of a town hall, gendarmerie, and medical point, creating new jobs in the public sector.
• The "Pearl Revolution" (1980s). Mastering the technologies of black pearl cultivation radically changed the economic structure. Pearl farms located in the lagoon brought financial prosperity to residents and allowed for the modernization of private households.
• Creation of an Educational Hub (1998). The opening of a college (secondary school) with a boarding facility had immense social significance. The island became a centre of attraction for youth from all over the archipelago, which required the expansion of the residential zone and infrastructure to meet the needs of students and teachers.
• Infrastructure Modernization (2000s). Reconstruction of the sea wharf and the installation of solar power plants increased the settlement's autonomy. The improved port zone simplified the delivery of heavy cargo and construction materials, stimulating further building.

Urban Development and Architectural Eras

The architectural appearance of Makemo Atoll was formed under conditions of strict geographical limitations and a constant dialogue with the ocean. Urban planning here is linear: the main settlement, the village of Pouheva, stretches along the shore of the lagoon, protected from the open ocean by a strip of coconut groves. The history of construction reflects the transition from temporary structures to permanent buildings capable of withstanding tropical cyclones.

Styles and Historical Landmarks

The evolution of local architecture is closely linked to key stages in the history of the settlement of the Tuamotu Archipelago:

• Traditional Polynesian Style (Pre-colonial Era). Initially, islanders built light huts ("fare") from wood and woven palm leaves. These structures provided excellent ventilation in the hot climate but were short-lived and easily destroyed by storms. Today, elements of this style are preserved only in tourist bungalows and leisure canopies.
• Missionary Style (Mid-19th – Early 20th Century). With the arrival of Catholic missionaries, the first stone buildings appeared on the island. Builders used available coral limestone and lime obtained by burning corals. This period gifted the atoll with monumental religious structures combining European forms with the rough texture of local stone.
• Utilitarian Modernism (Late 20th Century – Present). Modern construction, characteristic of the overseas community of French Polynesia, relies on concrete and metal. Residential houses, administrative buildings, and schools are built taking into account seismic resistance and wind loads. Aesthetics give way to functionality: simple geometric forms, louvered windows, and pitched roofs for rainwater collection.

Iconic Structures

Despite the small size of the settlement, Makemo possesses objects that define its visual code and cultural identity:

• Church of Saint Joseph (Église Saint-Joseph). The main architectural gem of the island, located in the village of Pouheva. The temple is famous for its unique interior: chandeliers and altar decorations are made from hundreds of mother-of-pearl shells collected in the local lagoon, which is a magnificent example of adapting church decor to local traditions.
• Bell Tower-Lighthouse. A unique feature of the Church of Saint Joseph is its tower. It performs a dual function: serving as a bell tower to call the faithful and as a lighthouse for navigating vessels entering through the Arikitamiro pass. This is a rare example of the fusion of sacred architecture and maritime engineering infrastructure.
• Makemo College. The complex of secondary school buildings, opened in the late 1990s, represents an example of modern public architecture in the region. The campus became a city-forming element around which a new residential and service zone took shape.

Distinguished Personalities

The history of Makemo Atoll is inextricably linked both with legendary heroes of the Polynesian epic and with brave navigators who opened this corner of the world to Western civilization. Below are key figures who left their mark on the island's chronicles.

• Moeava
  Legendary Chief and Warrior (16th–17th Centuries)
  The central figure of oral folklore in the Tuamotu Archipelago. According to legends, Moeava was a great warrior who possessed incredible strength. He became famous for his victory over the giant Patira in a battle that, according to legend, took place precisely on the lands of Makemo. He is considered the ancestor of many modern families in the region.
• John Turnbull
  English Trader and Navigator (19th Century)
  The first European to document the existence of the atoll. In 1803, while following a trade route on the ship "Margaret", he discovered the island and named it "Phillips Island" in honour of the Sheriff of London. His records became the first written source on the geography of this part of French Polynesia.
• John Buyers
  Captain of the ship "Margaret" (19th Century)
  An associate of John Turnbull and captain of the brig on which the discovery was made. It was his navigational skills that allowed the expedition to safely pass through the dangerous waters of the Tuamotu Archipelago and map new lands for the British Admiralty.
• Thaddeus Bellingshausen
  Russian Navigator, Admiral (1778–1852)
  Leader of the first Russian Antarctic expedition. In July 1820, while exploring the Pacific Ocean on the sloops "Vostok" and "Mirny", he rediscovered the atoll and plotted its exact coordinates on the map, naming it "Kutuzov Island" in honour of the great military commander.
• Alain Gerbault
  French Navigator, Writer, and Tennis Player (1893–1941)
  A famous solo traveller who visited the atoll in 1926 during his circumnavigation on the yacht "Firecrest". Gerbault was charmed by the beauty of the lagoon and the hospitality of the locals, calling Makemo the "atoll of perfection". His travel notes contributed to the popularization of the Tuamotu Islands in Europe.
• Félix Tokoragi
  Politician and Public Figure (Modern Era)
  Long-serving mayor of the Makemo commune and representative in the Assembly of French Polynesia. He plays a key role in the modern development of the island's infrastructure, including the modernization of educational institutions and the introduction of renewable energy systems.