arika

Polynesian nobility

Also known as: alii, ariki

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

In Polynesian cultures, ariki (also spelled alii or arii) refers to a chief, noble, or king. This term signifies a person of high status within a generally stratified society.12

Polynesian societies often featured clearly defined social classes with distinct rights, duties, and lifestyles. While chiefs held the highest status, they were often seen as "first among equals" and were repositories of sacred power, symbolizing the group's connection to the past. Prestige could also be gained through achievements like gift-giving, hosting feasts, or demonstrating military skill. Complex social hierarchies, particularly in places like New Zealand, Hawaii, Tonga, and the Society Islands, were common, with chiefly rankings tied to the concept of inherited godliness and the possession of mana.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

nature worship
Nature as a sacred totality
The ariki, or alii, the nobility of Polynesia, have more mana than commoners, and both their land and the insignia associated with them have mana. Besides areas and symbolic elements that are associated with the ariki, many objects and animals having special relationships with chiefs, warriors,…
Read More
The ariki, or alii, the nobility of Polynesia, have more mana than commoners, and both their land and the insignia associated with them have mana. Besides areas and symbolic elements that are associated with the ariki, many objects and animals having special relationships with chiefs, warriors,…
Read More

Māori
Traditional history and first contact
…a chief or chiefs (ariki). Traditionally, at the day-to-day level, the most important social groups were the hapū (subtribe), which was the primary landholding group and the one within which marriage was preferred, and the whānau, or extended family.
Read More
…a chief or chiefs (ariki). Traditionally, at the day-to-day level, the most important social groups were the hapū (subtribe), which was the primary landholding group and the one within which marriage was preferred, and the whānau, or extended family.
Read More