Moa and Uafta, Rotuma’s Rooster and Hen Stones

Overview

Irava describes two Tua’koi stones inhabited by tupu’a and named for a rooster and hen. They were brought from Savai’i in a stone canoe. Marfakita calls the figures Moa and Uafta and gives another account in which the animals themselves arrive by canoe and become stone. The variants distinguish inhabited stones from petrified animals.

Marfakita associates striking these figures with a great sea and recounts canoes washed away after a breach. Irava, however, says touching was possible and that they were neither worshipped nor offered sacrifice. The recorded restrictions should therefore not be collapsed into one universal ritual system. Their location and narrative association are evidence of Rotuman sacred geography, not proof that geological stones literally generate waves.

Origins & earliest records

Named Rotuman consultants supplied MacGregor’s 1932 notes. The online edition standardizes orthography and clarifies some cryptic passages; originals are archived at Bishop Museum.

Records & interpretation

Sacred Stones (1), Irava; (2–3), Marfakita.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   MacGregor’s Rotuma Notes: Moa and Uafta, Rotuma’s Rooster and Hen Stones

   Gordon MacGregor, recorder; named consultants identified by subsection · 1932 fieldwork

   Sacred Stones (1), Irava; (2–3), Marfakita.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Edited primary field-note transcriptionRotuma archive: Moa and Uafta, Rotuma’s Rooster and Hen StonesResearch access: 2026-10-05
2. Custodial and editorial contextMacGregor collection editorial explanationResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.