Tamafaiga or Tamafainga (died 1829) [1] was a Samoan king.
Tamafaiga was a war-priest from Manono Island who usurped the throne after the death of Safeofafine. [1] He came to power after defeating Mataʻafa in 1827 or 1828. [2] He ruled as a tyrant, and was worshiped as a god. [1] The missionary John Williams reported that "he was the man in whom the spirit of the gods dwelt... the terror of all the inhabitants". [3] He was killed by the people of the village of Fasito'o Uta after attempting to claim a daughter of their high chief as his hundredth wife. [4] Following his death Malietoa decimated Aʻana as punishment, and eventually claimed the kingship. [2]
Tamafaiga or Tamafainga (died 1829) [1] was a Samoan king.
Tamafaiga was a war-priest from Manono Island who usurped the throne after the death of Safeofafine. [1] He came to power after defeating Mataʻafa in 1827 or 1828. [2] He ruled as a tyrant, and was worshiped as a god. [1] The missionary John Williams reported that "he was the man in whom the spirit of the gods dwelt... the terror of all the inhabitants". [3] He was killed by the people of the village of Fasito'o Uta after attempting to claim a daughter of their high chief as his hundredth wife. [4] Following his death Malietoa decimated Aʻana as punishment, and eventually claimed the kingship. [2]