Arikinui

Arikinui is a traditional title used in parts of Polynesia to designate the highest-ranking female chief or queen within certain island polities. The term is formed from ariki, meaning chief or noble, and nui, meaning great, reflecting its status as a feminine form of paramount leadership in customary systems. The title is often linked to lineage, ceremonial duties, and the stewardship of cultural practices, though the exact role can vary between communities and historical periods.

Usage and significance of arikinui differ across island groups. In some cultures, the arikinui is the principal female ruler who presides over chiefly lineages and important ceremonial occasions; in others she may function as a matriarch within a dynastic circle or as the consort to a male ariki. The authority associated with the arikinui is typically defined by customary law, religious ceremonies, and the social responsibilities attached to maintaining community cohesion and tradition. The relationship between arikinui and male counterparts, such as ariki nui, also differs by tradition.

In the modern era, arikinui titles appear in cultural revivals, museum contexts, and ceremonial events that emphasize heritage and identity. While they may be recognized within customary governance structures, political power in most states is exercised through contemporary institutions. Scholarly and public acknowledgment of arikinui relies on regional histories and oral traditions, which document the title’s regional meanings and its ongoing role in articulating female authority within Polynesian cultural landscapes.