Rapanui in Peru

European Impact on Easter Island: Response, Recruitment and the Polynesian Experience in Peru Author(s): Grant McCall Source: The Journal of Pacific History, Vol. 11, No. 2, Labour Trade [Part 2] (1976), pp. 90-105 Published by: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25168254 Accessed: 17/02/2010 00:24 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use. Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained at http://www.jstor.org/action/showPublisher?publisherCode=taylorfrancis. Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. Taylor & Francis, Ltd. is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The Journal of Pacific History. http://www.jstor.org European THE USE OF Impact on Easter Island: Response, Recruitment and the Polynesian Experience in Peru* ISLANDER LABOUR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF 19th CENTURY EUROPEAN to light in the Pacific has a long history, the details of which are coming projects 'Kanaka' so-called in an increasing number of close studies of the period. While labour featured the whaling and plantation era, the first wide-scale throughout was the Peruvian labour trade that in Polynesia scheme of labour importation trade its short life, the Peruvian between 1862 and 1863. Considering operated a number island of on havoc and its consequences wrought unparalleled populations. due to its This was particularly the case with Easter Island which, possibly to the Peruvian the greatest relative proximity coast, suffered impact of this from the rest of the that island's isolation effect being to terminate venture?its its developed culture for all time. world and to obliterate inhabited neighbour, Situated over 1,500 km from its nearest Pitcairn, Easter most remote of is the its inhabitants, Island, known as Rapanui1 by present-day in 1722 by the Dutch Islands. Nevertheless, since its discovery the Pacific at least 53 vessels called 1862. The there before navigator Jacob Roggeveen, anchor off its shores came for a variety outsiders who either landed or dropped of trade, reasons?discovery, supplies or plunder. The natural resources, then as desired and the most remarkable today, have never been considered product themselves. has been the people to sailors for its women. Island was known By the 19th century Easter and in 1830 was aware that there was 'much trafficking in women', Moerenhout on the island at that disease was prevalent the fear that venereal he mentions a in 1774 noticed of women, the paucity time.2 Cook's men though just over at the time of hidden had been later La Perouse that females decade suggested 'offered their favours to all those Cook's visit. La Perouse noted that the women * on Easter Island and four months in work 18 months' fieldwork This is based upon to Prof. H. E. Maude in Chile and Peru, between archive research 1972 and 1974. I am grateful me with information and direction, and Dr Michael who valuable who read Young, provided of this paper. earlier versions to thank Prof. Jorge Dr Ramon I wish Hernan Silva Olivares, In Chile and Peru, Campbell, Buse de la Guerra, Pablo Macera, Dr Jose Matos Dr Rosalia Avalos, Mar, Javier Jorge Basadre, Prof. Dr Felix Luis Millones Heraclio Fernando Bonilla, Ponce, Vidal, Santagadea, Pulgar Denegri Ulloa, Dr Luna, all of whom Demosthenes provided contained Cabrera invaluable Quiroz, assistance and Alejandro Lostaunau Lucila Valderama errors or and in my research. support Any own responsibility. of course, my entirely from 1860s when, for the first the the time, in this paper remain, a new name, is probably dating B. P. Bishop other Island, of Easter (see A. Melraux, Polynesians Ethnology No. in their own when 160 (Honolulu Museum Bulletin however, 1940), 33-6). Today, speaking use 'Rapanui' to refer to themselves, and their Island. their language the Islanders language, 2 aux lies du Grand Ocean 1837), H> 2^"7 J. A. Moerenhout, (Paris Voyage misinterpretations 1 'Rapanui' met Islanders 9<> EUROPEAN IMPACT ON EASTER ISLAND 91 would make them a present', but that some of the females were forced into trade against their will.3 W.omen were often brought on board ships that did for instance states that an attractive woman otherwise land; Dupetit-Thouars his ship. of of the five canoes that approached in three the prow placed to do with had much coy remarks that the Ensign of the Discoverer Cuming's for five days in 1827 may be a reference the Islanders while they lay off Hangaroa in 1795, was brought on board to this traffic.'Te'ree', beloved of Captain Bishop for the purpose of sleeping with with other the Ruby, maidens, along precisely in 1801, in the landing of the Pilgrim the crew. When strong surf prevented to attempting to attract the crew with bunches of sugarcane, yams, and addition other produce, the women made clear by signs the commerce they offered.4 a to to be contain Three Islanders reference actually wishing ships' reports to take with him an in 1821, refused taken off the island. Captain Raine, a desire to leave, while of a century earlier, Islander who quarter expressed to 'Britanniee', two men to notes that be taken asked young Bishop specifically a request he refused.5 In about 1806, a South whaler, Captain Page, took a young man (known as Henry Easter, after the island) to England with him and his story in a news report reprinted in a New England is told in retrospect newspaper. went to Rapanui oral history, at least one other Islander voluntarily According off on a whaling voyage to serve as crew.6 In 50 accounts, fear of an attack by Islanders in seven, and only is mentioned some Captains It seems that while occurred. five attacks actually found the often in the same year. Captain Islanders hostile, others enjoyed good relations, in 1821, remarked This island is inhabited Chapman, by savages', [Rapanui] earlier Captain Raine of the Surry was well- received. Before though five months Shubael Chase had carried on extensive trade. In 1827 nobody Raine, Captain for fear of attack, but there appears not to have been landed from the Discoverer any trouble during its stay. some pelting some of his La P?rouse experienced by stones in 1786 when crew recover a grapnel to stolen from the ship, but it was not until attempted in 1806 and Captain Windship the visits of Captain Adams in 1809 that Islanders are alleged to have actually repelled visitors by attacking them. Von Kotzebue in 1815 appears to have received a very chilly reception, though initial relations who this not was 3 on his Cook James Journals of Captain of Discovery. J. C. Beaglehole (ed.), The Voyages and Adventure, of the Resolution 1772-1775 1961), 337-60; J. F. G. de La (Cambridge . . . round world the and the in years 1786, 1787, 1785, 1788 by Voyage (trans.) 1798), II, 6, 17-18. (London 4 A. A. sur le autour du monde 'La Venus' Voyage Dupetit-Thouars, fregate (Paris 1841), MS Journal, M. Roe 10, Sydney, Mitchell Journal p. 226-7. Hugh Cuming, Library. (ed.), The . . . in the in and New and letters of Captain Charles South Wales, Pacific 1794-1799, Bishop ser. 2, No. A narrative and 131 (Cambridge of voyages 1967), 40-2. A. Delano, Hakluyt Society, travels (Boston 1817), 356. 5 was account Raine's in the Sydney Gazette, 1821, 9 June Captain originally printed in a biography in part de Salis, Thomas Raine, by his granddaughter?M. reprinted Captain An Early Colonist 1969), 37-8. Roe, op. cit., 37-8. (Sydney activities in the Central 6R. G. Ward Pacific 1790-1870 (ed.), American (Ridgewood 1967), an account to publish) of Henry I intend one of Easter with II, 230. I collected (which together a sea as to went text who and which the closes this paper, from Leon Tuki Toroveri, whaler, an of traditional Islander lore. and repository Hey, knowledgeable extremely Rapanui The Voyage A Perouse, Q2 THE JOURNAL OF PACIFIC HISTORY a were traded for small bits of old iron. When and vegetables amicable his men were repulsed, apparently without provocation.7 landing was attempted, in the last century was the surprise A story that enjoyed a certain notoriety to land in 1825 at Cook's Bay, attack on Captain Beechey's men, who attempted accounts as exist of this incident Two known Hangaroa. locally published as a full manuscript as version well and Journal Beechey's Narrative), (Peard's an attack ensued to explain In this case, it is more difficult just why by Belcher. that the Islanders may have feared from initial friendly relations. Peard believed to further trading, and so wished the foreigners were about to move off without on the deck of his from their vantage point Beechey, prevent departure. notes: 'About this time [of initial landing] one of the natives, H.M.S. Blossom, . . . a chief, with a cloak and head-dress of feathers, was observed probably with several to attended the huts the from persons by landing place, hastening in conflict on shore resulted that some internal short clubs', and it is possible outsiders.8 the aggression against who the Europeans it is usually In all the incidents however, reported, on a one death of the is there island, foreigner's report only escaped unscathed; boat steerer, who was murdered F. Weeks, and that was of Robert by Rapanui in 1856.9 did occur in the last On the other hand, attacks on Islanders by Europeans most The notorious in 1862. trade outrage the labour century, long before to all several was and known from is in sources, attempts though 1805 episode from New London, to be the schooner Nancy said the involved, identify ship in explanation and often given known incident was widely have failed.10 The were of Rapanui violence against Europeans. The 1797, brought large sealing trade with Canton, which had begun about in the Juan Fernandez Group, of ships to the seal island of Mas Afuera, numbers an to Delano, himself the early years of the 19th century. According during 10 and 20 sealing ships called there in between the trade, participant important seals may have been taken in the years 1800-1804, and as many as three million in 7 La Perouse, in the Kahumona Adams op. cit., 15-16. For the visits by Capt. Alexander in 1809, see O. von Kotzebue, in the Albatross 1806 and Capt. Windship of discovery Voyage 16-18. Straits in the south seas and to Behring's 1821), 20. Ibid., (London 8 The with and Arctic the Pacific To Journal of Lieutenant Beechey. Barry M. Gough, ser. 2, No. Peard 143 (Cambridge 1973). 'Blossom', Society, of H.M.S. Hakluyt 1825-1828, George . . . Strait to the Pacific and Beering Narrative F. W. (London 1831), 48. of a Voyage Beechey, MF Pacific Bureau, Turnbull Canberra, E. Belcher, Manuscripts Library, Wellington, Journal, a similar had that he states when incorrect No. 'Roggeveen 51. Gough (op. cit., 73) is quite the Dutch Mens's to Undermate Cornelius are relatable Dutch difficulties timidity; experience'. Gonzalez Don B. G. Corney this clear?see makes account of Captain Felipe voyage (ed.), The . . ., . . ., an extract Society, Jacob official Hakluyt log from Roggeveen's Mynheer by preceded ser. 2, No. of Jacob Roggeveen (Oxford 13 (Cambridge (ed.), The Journal 1908), 12-13; A. Sharp 197?)> 94-5 0Ward, 10 The op. cit., 239-41. of Director C. Kugler, Richard verified. has not been Nancy story of the schooner knows Museum Historical the Old Dartmouth Massachusetts), (New Bedford, Society Whaling in the incidents. She involved have been that might the name Nancy of only one ship carrying to the Falkland in 1821-22 on a sealing and sailed a brig of Salem, Massachusetts, was voyage Historical the Nantucket of Director A. Edouard Islands. Shetland South and Stackpole, from Salem was this Nancy that is 'more or less certain' Peter Museum, Association, Fougler the probable one (both pers. comm.). EUROPEAN IMPACT ON EASTER ISLAND 93 himself had been 'at the place when there were the people up to 1804. Delano or on of fourteen one at the island seals'.11 Such work vessels, time, killing ships, as was labour and Easter Island closest inhabited the required (and otherwise it is not surprising that unscrupulous unprotected) territory to the sealing grounds carried captains looked to it as a source. In 1805, most reports agree, the Nancy on board, off 12 men and 10 women. While at the females remained the men, most the first opportunity, to overboard of them escape, jumped drowning as the was far out to sea. that one of these reports a tradition Englert ship Islanders to survive the long swim and returned desperate actually managed to his island.12 The to Rapanui returned for another raid shortly after Nancy the first one. The that of the whaling incident of this nature was only other reported Pindos in An first 1822. mate, Waden, gathered up a quantity ship enterprising and took them to his crew as prostitutes. The (by force?) of women following it thrown back into the water and left to make day the Islanders were released, to shore as best as they could. Shortly on same Waden the afterwards, day, amused himself by proving his marksmanship with a rifle. He felled an Islander on shore with a single shot, 'son coup d'oeil', as he is known to have bragged. as is not known, How many other such atrocities might have occurred normally not to the perpetrators their deeds. preferred publicize on Easter Relative internal harmony Island came to an end in 1862. In a New the vessel, passed some miles distant, Edwards, England whaling February for a few hours in September. while the French warship, Cassini, hove off-shore were that between believed there 1,200 and 1,400 Islanders Captain Lejeune was and that initiated with potatoes, the trade taro, inhabiting place reported came out to his ship with but only one chicken. The their produce Islanders to the after he had sent two boats ashore to initiate contact. He recommended in Valparaiso, with whom he spoke in October of Sacred Heart Missionaries to the island, for he to send a mission that same year, that they might do well not interested in souls, to be docile and friendly.13 Others, believed the people too. friendliness be their might thought exploited from the late 1840s to the early Islands about 20 km off Chincha 11 Delano, op. cit., 306. 12 Fr Sebastian Englert, trans, and ed. by W. Mulloy 13 The Pindos affair was Island at the 1880s guano, extracted principally the coast from the port of Pisco, Center of the World. New light on from the dominated Easter Island, (New York 1970), 150-1. information reported by the trader Moerenhout (op. cit., 278-9). My on the visit of the Cassini to Easter from a letter from Fr Pacome in late 1862 comes Island Main House to the Very Rev. of the Sacred Heart's Fr E. Rouchouze, Head Olivier Congregation in Lettres des Mis in Paris. The is contained letter is* dated December, 1864', and 'Valparaiso, with Easter and documents Island sionaires dealing 159-67. A copy of this and other (Paris), were sent to me of the Sacred Heart's in the Rome Archives contained by kindly Congregation accounts in books about Easter Island of the labour trade Fr Amerigo Previous Cools. (e.g. de la Isla de Pascua La Tierra Matu'a de Hotu S. Englert, Historia, y lengua (Padre Etnologia B. P. Bishop Museum Bulletin Las Casas Island, of Easter Ethnology 1948), 152-5; A. Metraux, 160 (Honolulu from erred in asserting that the trade lasted No. 1859-62 and I 1940), 42-3) have am at a loss to could have come about. just how this misconception explain THE JOURNAL OF PACIFIC HISTORY 94 the commercial and financial life of Peru. It was the main export and, as it was owned by the state, the greatest source of government revenue.14 Every month in the 1860s the front page of the main Lima newspaper, El Comercio, carried a detailed account of its export. But the extraction demanded a supply of labour, in Peru an endemic problem. The edifices had been built by slaves imported from Africa, but great public in the early 19th century the emerging South American banned the republics Indian labour had from practice and this source came to an end.15 Indigenous as the Indians were able to early in the country's history proved unsatisfactory coolies served escape too easily from their forced labour. For a while Chinese on the work gangs in agriculture, and in other capacities guano exploitation, where labour was required. Though Chinese cheap and plentiful immigration was in to arrive and it is estimated abolished 1856, many ships continued officially as 100,000 Chinese were to Peru, that between 1861 and 1875 as many brought as a result of a series of civil wars in south and southeast China.16 possibly The the labour force of the country must upon impact of guano extraction have enormous. been owners Often of or cotton sugarcane would plantations so that the and the getting their peons between alternate of guano agriculture whole of the rural economy was bound up with the trade. When Chinese labour less available in the late 1850s deserters became and petty criminals were often in to do the work under extremely difficult conditions. brought Increasing world to a peak for guano in late 1862,17 but demand the labour prices pushed necessary to procure it was not available in Peru. A retrospective in May of 1863 in view of the Polynesian episode published to El Comercio the that had alternatives been open to the labour con pointed tractors in 1862. According to the article, the hacienda interests owners, in whose had three options: the trade was principally raise their rates of promulgated, colonists from Europe pay in order to attract Peruvian workers, bring well-paid or look for as small landholders, to establish themselves slave cheap, nearly 1861 the Peruvian labour.18 On 20 April gave in to the labour government contractors In and Chinese from Macao, was re-instituted. immigration, mainly an Charles of 1862, however, Irishman, Byrne, of seemingly reput Joseph April able credentials, applied for and was granted a permit to import a quantity of 14W. Guano Economic the British M. Mathew, 'Peru and Market, 1840-1870', History XXIII Review, (1970), 112. 15 F. Ponce, en el complejo de Annals economico Cientifico y esclavitud jesuita', 'Empresa V (1967), 226-40. la Universidad Agrario, 1* L. Millones en el Peru Minorias etnicas (Lima 1973), 75-6, 69. Santagadea, 17 E. de desarrollo Un del Castillo, Peru, 1820-1920. 1972), siglo capitalista (Lima Yepes op. cit. 314-7; Mathew, 18 Revista 20 May of El Comercio, the short-lived Americana, magazine 1863, p. 236. The to have in 19th century for other writers existed conflict Peru, newspaper appears town-country to the greed of large tracts trade of holders of the labour the impetus of the time attribute 10 Oct. in El Comercio, article land. In an unsigned of agricultural 1862, the cheap (haciendas) to hacienda of Polynesians is noted and their attributed of the importation suffering price a writer of the port 'un Chalaco' owners. who satirical In a more signed himself [resident style to seek owners that for their of Callao], shames the hacienda affirming they ought greed, colonists and pay them fairly (El Comercio, 13 Oct. 1862). legitimate EUROPEAN IMPACT ON EASTER ISLAND 95 natives of the Southwest Pacific Islands for agricultural and domestic services. For between had been involved Dubliner, 15 and 20 years Byrne, a flamboyant in labour migration in various schemes and Ireland countries?Natal, Brazil, to introduce Australia. He had also applied for and been granted a permit 1,000 labourers into New Caledonia, and although the scheme never materialized, a French convinced that he had become the Lima authorities citizen for the was on came to his when he last legs Lima, and he died on the purpose. Byrne return voyage of the first to Peru. The labourers ship to bring Pacific Islands on the in vessel docked Callao 1862 carry Adelante, 151-ton 13 September ship, ing 266 women Islanders?men, and children?from Tongareva.19 Their contracts, the men, sold for $US2oo apparently $150 the duly signed and attested, were women is accurate, and $100 the boys. If British consular information the ship's owners must have collected over $35,000 to the In contrast for the voyage. at least 10% of the 'cargo' would perish en route, only Chinese voyages, where at the time even one woman died and four children were born. One editorial accrue to the Polynesians, to a noted that would the benefits being brought seemed happy and, within civilized country such as Peru. At this point everyone a few weeks, 26 more were outfitted and formally entered the trade.20 ships some notes of caution were published But even as licenses were being granted in the Lima press. In September described the proposed 1862, one newspaper as 'scandalous'. Both government and private citizens of Polynesians importation of the country were repulsed by the forced importation chattels. The of human was in faith and of initial the government's good granting contingent permission of recruiting 'colonists' as they understood them; but once it upon the conditions had been demonstrated that things were not as they had seemed, the conclusively and then the outrage of The caution trade was banned and ships impounded. was confined to a group illicit labour citizens that the desire for suggests private a no means Peruvian indicates and within Peruvian general society by partici countries took part and some from many Seamen and snips' captains pation. of the ships were from neighbouring Chile.21 to the Cook Islands for his the initiator of the trade had travelled Though on Easter focused their attention of the other 'colonists', many entrepreneurs 19 Despatch 20 Lima, 121, 28 Dec. 1863, FO 61/212. that about noted Vol. of Foreign Affairs, 25 ships 1862-63. Williams 69-A, Ministry were being to Earl Russell, to obtain C. Williams outfitted 10,000 Polynesians.?J. 9 Feb. Apia, of Anthropology, National Australian Prof. Derek 1862, FO 58/99. Freeman, University, Dept a number Office and Public Records of the Foreign documents of important collected Office, a variety in locating useful has been between London, 1946 and 1948. His extremely copybook of the Peruvian trade. labour of sources and as an aid to an overall comprehension on Byrne in A. E. Hattersley, The settlement British is contained Information of Natal in a rare three vol. work, tells his own story J. C. Byrne, (Cambridge 1950), 102, 109-10. Byrne on Byrne's in British Twelve Colonies, 1835-1845 (London 1848). For details year's wanderings to Dr Bronwen in New Caledonia, P. Douglas I am indebted La Trobe activities (Dept of History, University). 21 References their appalling 1862. More also C. Veliz, in El Comercio treatment appeared the notices opposing Historia de laMarina commenting in editions trade were Mercante upon adversely importations 10 Oct., of 17 and 20 Sept., in El Comercio published de Chile (Santiago 1961), 147-52. of Polynesians 2 and 24 Dec, throughout and all 1863. of See 96 and Island; THE JOURNAL OF PACIFIC HISTORY in late December 1862, eight ships assembled off the island's western coast.22 varying and apparently oral traditions survive on Easter Island contradictory to sign on aboard a today. One states that two Islander brothers had volunteered Peruvian vessel and even had time to take a formal leave-taking. Another is that as they had done many the trusting Islanders, swam out to the times before, visiting they had climbed on board they were forced into the hold ship. When and locked up. But the version best known to Rapanui is that the foreigners arrived at Hanga Piko and there threw on the ground mirrors, pipes, and other to collect trinkets. When the Rapanui the numerous the objects, approached crew fell upon them. Those who tried to escape were trussed up like sheep (haro and thrown into small boats to be taken out to the waiting mamoe) ships. The attacks were launched at Hangaroa and Tahai told me too, and one informant o Hoonu?all that there was also an attack at Hanga for likely places ships to anchor. Some of the captains engaged in the trade were captured in French territorial waters and tried at Papeete. Their and affidavits taken testimony by British as all consular officials now confirm these different Islander traditions being of different taken by different correct, but representative approaches captains. account of Rapanui The having been enticed on board, forced below and the in Le Messager hatches closed is related in testimony de Tahiti for 27 June 1863. at another A similar episode was reported island.23 Testimony in appearing Le Messager de Tahiti for 30 November that confirms the trinkets story 1863 were thrown on the ground and that Rapanui were scooped up when they tried to retrieve the desired objects. However, in the same transcript Captain Sasua that his Rapanui to the 'colonists' were voluntary and produced, tegui claimed a number consul in Callao, of signed and witnessed contracts. He Chilean that when he saw the expeditionary force forming up off Rapanui testified in some Rapanui late December 1862 he departed. That may have been eager to above of sign on for labour in Peru is suggested by the information presented to depart It is possible in the pre-1862 period. Islander willingness that Sasua tegui's 'colonists' may have been as willing as he affirms. assault on Easter Island in December occurred The 1862 but principal sources suggests contacts might from archival that less violent evidence have was detained been made before the Serpiente Marina that. Early in November on board. However, two Rapanui to the December in Papeete with subsequent Islanders attack, the island appears to have been used as a half-way point, where to ships to take them to Peru. British from points further west were transferred attack occurred on Easter consular records in Lima suggest that another violent Island in March 1863. 1 are listed those vessels known or thought to have called at Rapanui In Table this period, the numbers collected, when known. This listing including during 22 This to the Easter with what Islanders article is mainly concerned happened present of what in general labour trade and a sketch befell the Polynesians the Peruvian to Prof. Maude me with access in Peru. I am greatly indebted who when they arrived provided to much cited in this paper. Island material of the non-Easter 23 . . . Suwarrow Gold and other stories (London 1936), 39-41. James Cowan, involved in EUROPEAN ON IMPACT EASTER ISLAND 97 to have participated of 18 ships represents two-thirds of those known in the to official Peruvian were affair.24 According Peruvian sources, who by mid-1863 were known the trade, a total of 2,069 Polynesians to thoroughly disgusted with have arrived in Callao.25 If this is so and the top figure of 1,353 Rapanui landed is correct (see Table to who are known 1), then about 70% of those Polynesians have landed at Callao were from Easter Island. If we allow that two or three raids or landed else have been killed in the violent hundred additional might to 19th century Peruvian contribution then Rapanui's could where, prosperity have been as high as 1,500. from the trade and the individuals But Peru did not prosper in it involved even less so. Eleven of the 20 ships registered were lost, captains were fined and died in huge numbers. jailed, and the Polynesians As early as February 1863 the following notice was published: have We assured been thus we that call Polynesians of attention smallpox; After be vaccinated. convenient, they might to consider to our it is necessary country, Comercio, 19 February as employment the in the countryside so to this Government all, these their unfortunates for life, peons on estates country large in 5 o'clock arrived recently at POLYNESIAN?Wednesday, and one Carlos called age, house of those and as domestics brought all men. (El in prosperous in the Peruvian press were offered for their on 30 January 1863, a 12 years of the morning boy of on the ELIZE left the MASON, cotton is dressed in blue coloured on Marcelo No. 60. He Street, patron a in whose shirt. Will the person custody light as to advise of the store at Number the occupant be so kind a reward will be given. of his trousers after of dying if it is French and Peruvian information, primary published on the guano of any Polynesians working nothing much in the contemporary evidence press in Lima for are mentioned Lima households. A number of Polynesians as escapees from domestic rewards service, and substantial in notice El Comercio recovery. The following appeared after the trade began: scarcely a few months LOST have are they are that, been 1863). to previously Contrary sources sighted mention islands; there is, however, their are that the the he may be 75 Arvohia and found Street, please where such notices, of varying length and composition, appeared for lost or escaped blacks, Chinese, similar with requests 1863, together during for 13 of El Comercio or Indian domestic servants. In the morning edition About half October 1863 to Peru On a dozen an announcement that may be relevant to Easter the Vacajiva 24 The eleventh and here Instant Francisco at 4 o'clock Alvarado in fled a afternoon, from the house the 1 are that in Table those that I have listed only ships to the principal are limited of sources Peruvian Our port fearful of confiscation of the trade in March 1863, captains banning or Pacasmayo, in to secondary such as Islay, Pisco, diverted ports, in Lambayeque, have and others may of a Chilean ship, reported letter of 20 Oct. Consular Chilean National Records, Library, Santiago, 25 Lima, of Foreign Affairs, Vol. 69-A, 1862-63. Ministry Island. Gl Islanders taken appears: canaca of the were called Count connected in his of land Cartago; with Easter the Callao. after Especially of their 'colonists' may have One is the north. landing a similar course.? followed 1863. THE JOURNAL OF PACIFIC HISTORY 98 he is a boy of 16 or 17 years of age, and his description pants, sought straw hat to person stipulated and shirt the A sleeves. above residence is offered reward and one who hides is as follows: dressed to the him who person shall suffer in black the delivers die penalties in the Police Code. now as the name would is remembered be more properly rendered, Vakahiva, never heard from again. In another, to as a Rapanui but taken Peru, apparently is sought by his 'patron' the 'cotoroberi' similar announcement, [ko Toroveri], name too is 22 brothers merchant 1863), anc^ tnis (El Comercio, April Cipriani cannot too be much the same as that of an abducted Rapanui, weight although to attached the correspondence. to their situation in Peru was melan reaction of Polynesians general about Polynesians cholia, and commentaries dying from this appeared apparently cause was one that the of suffering This in the Peruvian in 1863. press only one to of records The had endure. (La Benefi charity hospital only Polynesians a about the deal survive and reveal Lima-Callao in composition they good cencia) it lived. under which and the conditions of the population who died from disease came from the middle Over half of those Polynesians the next largest numbers were from equally while Santa of class Lima parish Ana, of those areas and Cercado of 2). Two-thirds (see Table Sagrario prosperous who died were male and the ages range from two males who died at six months a fifth of those males who died were to one woman who died at 45 years. About females. Sixty-five per cent of both for the same 20 and the applies proportion of the poor and maladies or intestinal diseases?the sexes died of pulmonary Table a sixth from about 3).26 (see smallpox perished only ill-kept?while and from that date onwards In March 1863 the trade was officially terminated, to in Callao in a large warehouse of Islanders were retained growing numbers to were home. On reach of them few then to Even islands. their await return that an American whaler, routinely reported 24 May 1863 the Lima newspapers as there was evidence of smallpox the Ellen Snow, had been put into quarantine to land and what later her crew was allowed on board. Less than a fortnight in decades. worst followed was one of Lima's smallpox plagues were concerned for their health and flocked to The citizenry of Callao-Lima The be vaccinated. The Polynesians, however, had no such advantage, and a 'con circumstances the unfortunate cerned Chalaco' (citizen of Callao), while lamenting with all haste be cleared warehouse the that recommended of the Polynesians, some Polynesians had When of the community.27 to protect other members two ships, the of others was a growing menace, sickness and the died already the trade, were fitted out which had initiated and the Adelante, Barbara Gomez i May 1862 to 1 Mar. from extended of El Comercio 1874. in the Archives search My no lack of time and have reflect trade at its height, the labour simply dates, including of Lima Publica de Beneficencia at the Sociedad entries I checked Register significance. further. me from going time prevented any the end of 1862 to the end of 1867. Again, death was for 10 Aug. last entry of a Polynesian 1867. in El Comercio, article 27 El Comercio, 19 Aug. 1863, nine appeared 5 Oct. 1863. A similar In most of whom its assumed with Gomez the Barbara perished. before charges, departed aboard to be the aware were that writers the cramped repatriated cases, Polynesians 26 These other from The days both vessels had contacted smallpox. IMPACT ON EASTER ISLAND EUROPEAN 99 or about to take the survivors home. Together they took on 842 people, 40% of those known to have arrived a few months earlier.28 was conducted in a most The of the Polynesians repatriation haphazard manner. that captains The Chilean consul even suspected taking some smaller to had accepted for transport, Peruvian money government only shipments once two on seas out of of land. their The human the cargo sight discharge high took documented schemes government transport by the Peruvian supported 1863. place in August and September to reach Polynesia, but of the 360 Polyne The Barbara Gomez did manage at Rapa, in the sians who began the voyage, only about 50 survived to disembark the Islanders, Austral group.29 Guilleramo Black, a naval officer who accompanied was so horrified by the events on board that he refused to comment to the Lima when press he returned.30 was even more disastrous. in the Adelante travelled those who lost his became The and way unhinged by the scenes on captain apparently board. In a tempest, the ship foundered off the coast of Panama, on Cocos Island, on board. According to a report losing all of the 482 Polynesians presumably committed suicide. in December in El Comercio the 1863, captain subsequently a on were seen in still Cocos October whaler survivors the wreck of by Though any rescue.31 among them prevented 1863, the disease prevalent was in several of the Polynesians of the importation Criticism published and after the trade was officially ended. One writer Peruvian journals until announcement in the trade in the following in the those involved satirized commercial section of El Comercio, 24 January 1863: The fate of AT POLYNESIANS Two like FOUR REALES woman are for sale, and male?the is old, has female false hair teeth, plaited a corpse and gives cries like a cui mouth de muerto'], drooling ['trenza [a guinea can be man doesn't who is a gander of first class hide, suck much, The managed pig]. like any Applications ignorant thing. to be made [Doctorazo] block second and in Polvos in Lima in Vivero of Barlovento Street, Street. also in Azules in Street, second the of a big study Street, just before the Colon shot the were probably known to be involved of the addresses mentioned The occupants that of the addresses in the trade and the importance suggests they may have been prominent politicians. to referred in El Comercio, notice Another 14 March 1863, also apparently or commercial or interests in the importation of Polynesians, those with political possibly both: The Azules Polynesian Street Language Number is 192. a Canaca to buy wanted Also, a contract and with conditions 28 121, 28 Dec. Despatch 29 F. A. Hanson, Rapan 30 El Comercio, 14 Dec. 31 Ibid. Ward, loc. cit. G2 1863, FO lifeways. 1863. taught who signed 61/212. Society grammatically has come and voluntarily in a short to Peru, time under in Polvos stipulated by him. Ward, op. and history cit., 201-2. on a Polynesian Island (Boston 1970), 33. 2j Missionaires, 159-67. po O point labour for trade. Folio ijvfii*], 139, No. 3. ?>Papeete; 6Rapanui board. Lettres Nov. des 1863; 30 on Oct. Callao Independencia' Left Island El From Comercio, 4J Oct. *Teresa 25 1862; months. 1862. Arrived Dec. in trial for turned Tahiti, de 611; Messager 1862. 19 over <_, Callao 1862. Easter Island rendezvous was 611; PRO 560, Adm. ^ 17 86 Papeete; Rapanui board. H 2on females claims signed General Prim Left Callao 27 First arrival with 126 of 61/212, FO letter 21 July lj months. 55 Arrived Rapanui Captured Rapa Nautical W and *Cora News, Nov. on 1863, and (National from Elisa Mason Left Callao 1with Arrived males, 140 Chilean Consular Records 3J months. children; 12 contracts Callao Left One Guillermo Dec. Nautical the ships of group 5News, Nov. 1863, Oct. FO 61/210. Rapanui. with 1862. 203 Known dates known l?Ships have thought Easter Island involved called the in labour Peruvian to and table at or O Source(s) Arrived October? in 58/96, Marina Nov. FO Late early 1862 *Serpiente Nov. 29 1862. Remarks Callao Left Dec. Patricia Orpheus Told HMS Nautical that Rosa >9News, 1863, Nov. Length ofVoyage 1862. Rapanui in Dec. 611. 1862. Dec. Left lying Miranda One Micaela Nautical ?the of off 9group News, Nov. 1863, from Nov. 2'Pay-Pay' 1862. 'colonists' 1863. in Rapanui lying > off 1862. 611. Callao Jan.1863. QDec. 1862. Arrived Callao 21 1863. Callao Arrived Feb. 1862-63 trade, Carolina Said in have El Comercio, participated 9to May 1863. Librar Santiago), 19 174 of whom 73 'colonists', Callao Arrived Island; 7*with second arrival July 'Frinaley' Island. 1863. females, were incidents December on Jan. Paypay'Island. 1863. 'Estea 1863. or Island. Easter from O Delmas, cit. op. Dec. females. FO 611; 61/211, 1862. *Letter 3 interpreter Hoki on stopped Marquesas at with to 13 Despatch July, of 1863, ^Callao Left Rosalia Arrived El Comercio, 16 37 3with males, Mar. 2J months. 1863, 149 Dec. 1862. women from Rapanui. 611; 61/210, FO Letter Left Callao Dolores *Hermosa Arrived with Nautical 5138 males, 22 News, Nov. 1} months. 1863, Dir. Politique board. females Dec. FO 61/212, 611; 1862. children. and Letter 15 6Callao Left Castro Arrived 2Nautical males with and 18 *Jose" 4J News, Nov. months. 1863, *Rosa yCarmen Left Callao 10 with Arrived 35 78 males, Nautical News, Nov. 1863, 7J months. June 1863; females; left 14 took later 360 FO 61/212, Despatch 121_ *Misti Arrived have Rapanui Said to enticed Rapanui Messager Tahiti, de 27 Z (Diamante}) June 1863. H Dec. females children 1862. Evening and ed. 10 *Jeoncora Arrived Arrived 9Callao with and males 19 FO 61/211,20 Mar. 1863. P 12-13 board; 1863. Mar. on 2Rapanui freed June 1863. g Urmeneta y Ramos Arrived Callao (3Papeete. at to known died 1863. >whom 310 route. en Callao Left Diamant (Paris) 16 National with Departed Archives 21 (?) Callao E Polynesians Sept. to 28 Rapa, of Dec. 1863. Polynesians; 17 31 'Colonists' Mar. females from gRapanui. 1863. 24 with ?jArrived Callao Gomez 61/211, FO June with and ^Barbara males 911 1863; July from Island. 'Necua* 1863. have 138, Piece FO 61/122,21 Arrived Callao Arrived 2from 'Hayram' Island. O Callao Arrived Jan. of 27 28 1863. Callao Arrived 10 21 of July 1863. July 1863. Callao Arrived 20 1863. 28 of Apr. j? Apr. W 1863. Mar. 1863. Z Jan.1863. * Ships known to Easter at called have Is THE JOURNAL OF PACIFIC HISTORY 102 on the trade in the Peruvian several individuals the discussions dailies, as as or For in June in it. dealers interested 1863 emerged politically example a his of any innocence Montero, wealthy planter, John publicly proclaimed on his properties to send those Polynesians back to wrong doing and offered an their homes at his own expense. A prosperous trader, Juan Dockendorff, was March that he nounced in the afternoon edition of El Comercio, 13 1863, himself from his import trade and the 'cargo' of Polynesians dissociating brought to have only been under his auspices in the ship Genera. This appears, however, a so that three days later he could advertize Chinese contracts for sale. Within an con in Comercio editorial El week of the announced Dockendorff change, under what demned the sale of human legal fiction, and on beings, no matter a satirical 'advertisement' in El Comercio: 26 March appeared In Polynesian recently island Domestic arrived than the the others; sick; they know how few days; those Number 86. contracts Servants?The on 'Genera' have been are more they robust of six men transferred. and healthy, not see Dockendorff and Company, come one of of them those a different from has become they are taught in just a to wash a bit and they learn anything interested ten women and These Callao, Street Commercial in Lima. The first protests came from sections of the international community all be that de insisted French The d'Affaires, Polynesians Lesseps, Charge it or not.32 and transported back to their islands, whether collected they wished to search for them in the farming region of Chancay, A party was even organized on a French near Lima. Just over 30 were found, and of these 16 were embarked 12 to islands. The their back for the Diamant, surviving Poly transport ship, on in the Marquesas landed at Taioha'e infected with nesians, smallpox, were had set first the even sail Diamant 21 August, the and before again Marquesan to have in lost interest the consul appears fallen to the disease.33 Thereafter the affair. at the beginning of research in Peru in 1973 I hoped to discover some descendants so many others. A from the fate that doomed who had escaped of Polynesians a contingent returned of Rapanui exists on Easter Island that when tradition who carried back news that two of the Rapanui home one of them, Roe'a Tea, venture had settled in Peru and were on for the Peruvian had voluntarily signed to trinkets and other sent back blankets 'Peruvian women'. They living with on whalers in the a Rapanui named Hito, who worked their relatives. Further, a Peruvian late 19th century, when visiting (the port he said was 'Pakatemayo' to a Rapanui. northern port of Pacasmayo?) had met a Peruvian woman married a Museum However, term derisive Other, older 32 The for a lazy Peruvians involvement of were but the French 1929), 159-60. said unaware was familiar concerns, by humanitarian prompted a part in making also have played may 33 S. Delmas, de Essai d'histoire Lima in Director person, with that the that the term word that use of the term, 'canaca' was including the trade was about in protesting government Mexico between conflict the contemporary but an implacable foe. de Lesseps la Mission des lies Marquises (Oceanie) jusqu'en a was Polynesian. Angel undoubtedly and France 1881 (Paris IMPACT ON EASTER ISLAND EUROPEAN nurses de los Ancianos in the Callao Casa Asilo de las Hermanitas claim was for Abandoned of the Sisters House Elderly) (Asylum Narvay, whose Desamparados born in verb, But 1855. in Chile, IO3 but wrote Kany also means canaquear, to means 'canaca' that a brothel signifies He keeper. of the that a slang to unable race', 'yellow comments I was brothels'.34 'frequent a member further discover any in any trace of the Polynesians, either in popular memory or, for that matter, sources. historical in Peruvian of contemporary degree depth remember those events of over a century The older Rapanui today, however, a Peruvian who returned to some recount of the story with ago and pleasure Easter Island sometime in the 1880s: When the place When called Peruvians arrived o Nono. Ana The Tori arrived. up people. rifle of a man [Peruvian man. this Peruvian he met slaver] Tori a to went He tied here, they bullets of the ran out. ran after o Nono, he shouted, and by a hut, he was close. There, him, very are you and let's around off to? Turn where man, fight. Turn running 'Hey, young ran to are you war. Where off to?' He make and Let's around let's running fight. are you where ran away a Kare. o Nono. to Pou Ana He man, running 'Hey, young can . . .' Tori so that we was around 'Turn behind to? Wait him. fight. Where right and have his mataa thrown are you have could off to?' Tori [spear] easily running 'Turn around at the man's with back. to throw but he did not want killed that man, he him. ran face at me your are you running Nui. They Apina Puka Paka after I can so that Kina. of that the Turn time. to? Turn off running He shouted you Well. we and throw man? to, young at the same arrived off are man?where at Ana arrived [Tori] Tori When he shouted. 'Where how fight'. That's at arrived and let's around fight'. They the same Tori shouted thing. 'Hey, young at arrived and let's around fight*. They can same cry. [The Peruvian] phrase?Tori's a boat from the the same 'he pea'. At time, to shore of the this boat It came the chase. the again that said, part phrase seen came ashore, having [Peruvian] ship there he ran away called Iti and man at the place and arrived The Apina ship. man to the boat. This went down that place, that man At stayed [Tori] directly above. They took him away. [the Peruvian] a in the time of Paea.35 here this Now, Now, ship arrived part] happened [next was came. the one in is called that same man He that by Rapanui [Peruvian] but is his original I don't know what 'Tono Panioro'. name, name, they always was then. Paea went him. Well, the name that That 'Tono Panioro'. they called caught board came the in Spanish was just pea'. He he Well, he ship that ship. we when still Rapanui came like that. shouted, saved my I want lives. to here asked he 'Ask when this. Ask asked you go back shore if there ship is a man and the said on this man arrived, was who around me In 'ki pea and taua'. chased tie people shouted, up who was 'ki pea in the part, but conversation taua', Spanish, a man said this phrase?'he after me and who chased about 'he pea'. And I tell you, to give him life. shouted, on that up His at I climbed into the boat. Apina, or he died that man. Perhaps perhaps like blankets, tobacco, 'paha-paha' [meaning man kill me and for that he didn't because we when I want I want and see, when You Paea. presents to that to give gifts at me'. Paea Good. shouted said, a Peruvian man in the chased who unknown]. that he about the man and left. 'ki pea 34 C. E. Kany, American-Spanish 35 title the Tahitian Ariipaea, from 1878 to 1888. John Brander taua'. That arrived to meet 'All time is right', when the and returned the Peruvians only thing (Berkeley i960), 177-8. euphemisms of the of Tati Salmon, Manager that Easter to shore came and asked to tie up is remembered, Island ranch the 'ki for THE JOURNAL OF PACIFIC HISTORY 104 TABLE 2?Frequency of age of death and origins of Polynesians 'La Beneficencia', 27 March 1862 to 10 August in Lima Charity Hospital, 1867. Ages at Death AGES 6mos 4 6 2 NUMBERS 7 12 14 13 16 15 17 18 11244145232 101 Males = 19 20 20 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 25 12 2232114113 21171424 z= 54 Females AGES NUMBERS 22 23 24 25 26 32442 27 28 30 31 45 28 30 161 34 ? 36 40 1 125 ? Origins Poz de Policia Huerfanos San Bartolme" San Marcelo 1111 San Sebastian =155 78 by 3?Fatalities Disease disease and 1863 to 10August 27March Male Designation Tuberculosis TOTAL sex in the Lima Charity Hospital, 'La Beneficencia', 1867. Fatalities 21 Female Fatalities Total 25 20 Dysentery Smallpox Diarrhoea Pneumonia San Lazaro Segrario 26 17 Ana Santa TABLE Cercado 264 9 16 9 o 14 8 4 46 29 25 14 12 Measles 5 3 8 Fever o 5 o o 1 1 5 202 101 Typhoid Anaemia Gastric Attacks Burn 1 1 Cancer Colic Delirium Hepatitis Cardiac Yellow 1 Source: 101 Tremens 011 011 arrest Fever Miscellaneous Total 101 01 101 1 4 Fatalities Hospital Archive Register Numbers 54101 155 02536 to 02538 5 IMPACT ON EASTER ISLAND IO5 EUROPEAN pea, ki was That pea'. the only that phrase and that he chased him from Ana o Nono he Tori caught. said Iti. 'I will to Apina that he was the man tell him, old fellow, run away at him. man. I shouted I said, 'Don't that young so that we can to throw my to me I don't want face your fight. at at your I could and have killed have back thrown my mataa spear your back. easily so that was turn your want to. What to stop, I didn't I wanted for you face you but we could when I shouted That's 'he pea' means it at you'. That's what fight together. what this phrase around with Turn he means that man. That's old man Paea to the ship. He on there the up explained are you at you means, turn around that was 'That phrase shouted "Where ship. going, to cut you with and let's fight." That's wish is means. He didn't what face, wait your to cut now his mataa wish his mataa. from behind. You would be dead with He didn't what you told the man. told from phrase man 'That Tori said. the He returned conversation so that we can That face first and wait your fight". man was at you. That the when fled. That you phrase 'I love to carry and I want him my this man gifts, was "Turn behind. that he what is alive.' shouted Peruvian [The tobacco, pipes'.36 said] the is here.' blankets, in some quarters On the Peruvian that those involved side, there was disgust in the trade got off so lightly. Apart from the loss of a few ships, the trial in and the few confiscations of Polynesians landed after by the French, Papeete the official termination of the trade, none of the major names figures whose Just after the official section appeared as sponsors of ships were inconvenienced. on the morning of El Comercio of 7 September small notice 1863 the following appeared: It is said that the Honorable That the Vice-Consul That the Peruvians silent, seeing that has POLYNESIA Consul named for Tahiti come involved back, in the interests their that the salaries has been lost. paid to both to be very rich, ought so well care of taken by affair are have such been ... that they remain the Ministry.?Stupid people. El canaca curioso [Inquiring Canaca] The so many the time. so traumatic lasted less than 12 months and proved episode, which Islanders ceased to be a topic of interest in the Peruvian newspapers The of the ships cargoes and was matter involved the huge closed, as far as the government in Polynesian labour importations China clippers once more began was concerned. returned depositing to of Many to merchant their coolie freight. GRANT 3? Leon Tuki Hey, pers. comm. My translation. MCCALL