Tongans in 1793

From 23 March to 9 April 1793, the French expedition under the command of Bruni dEntrecasteaux anchored at the small island of Pangaimotu, not far from the site of the modern Tongan capital of Nukualofa, on the island of Tongatapu. While unfamiliar with Tongan customs and history, the voyagers created an interesting snapshot of the archipelago at the end of the 18th century. During the visit, they met and exchanged gifts with the local aristocracy or political elite, who feasted their guests and entertained them with performances by Tongan women and men. The Frenchmen also met, traded, and interacted with the Indigenous population more widely.