General Features

The Mangaian pattern of social structure shows traces of a conflict between two opposing forces, an older group of settlers who endeavored to monopolize the positions of higher rank and title by hereditary succession, and later groups who wished to acquire authority by physical force and war. This conflict not only affected the questions of succession of title but also extended to the inheritance of land. Owing to the increasing importance of success in war, Mangaian society contains some features unique in the Cook archipelago..