She was of the ancient chiefess type, as large as a man, perfectly modeled, a tawny Juno.

Pomaré IV had generously granted permission for the high chiefess of Papara to ally herself with the shrewd descendant of the House of David, and their progeny had included the queen, Tati, and others celebrated in Tahitian life.

Then the chiefess named Kamakahelei, mother of Kaumualii, said, "Let us not fight against our god; let us please him that he may be favorable to us."

Yet she could be a queen or a chiefess, and as such was as powerful as a man, making war in person, and often leading her troops valiantly.

Cook had had a sincere friendship, if not a sweeter sentiment, for Oberea, the high chiefess of the clan of Tevas at Papara, and whom at first he thought queen of Tahiti.