Amaru brings together cultural features that are clearly distinct: archaeological remains, handicraft activities that can be experienced in the village, and a royal cemetery by the sea. The picture ranges from foundations made of coral slabs to specific ways of making things, and the resting place of several generations of Rimatara kings and queens. In Amaru, you can therefore encounter different forms of cultural history: material remains, handicraft work, and the memory of the island’s rulers.

Marae Tonoha'e

Marae Tonoha'e is on a rise behind the beach in the present-day village of Amaru. What remains are broken foundations made of old coral slabs. These details provide two concrete points of reference: its location behind the village beach and the material used for the foundations. Foundations form the base of a structure; at Tonoha'e, broken remains made of old coral slabs have been preserved. Those interested in archaeological traces will find a clearly identified site and a specific type of surviving remains. The description of its location and state of preservation answer different questions: Where is the marae, and what remains of it? The locations also differ: the marae is on a rise behind the beach, while the royal cemetery is described as being by the sea. Tonoha'e thus represents a material connection to Amaru’s past, unlike the handicraft activities that can be experienced in the village.

Handicrafts in the village

In the village of Amaru, you can experience the weaving of baskets, peue mats, and hats; the processing of fara, or pandanus; and the making of pupu, or shell, necklaces. The examples differ in their methods: weaving, processing pandanus, and making necklaces. This is a concrete look at handicrafts, not just a general reference to the topic. If you are interested in how things are made, you can see which activity or product appeals to you most. Handicrafts offer a different cultural perspective from the marae: the focus is on activities that can be experienced in the village rather than archaeological foundations. This is about more than named places; it is also about activities and the products they create.

The royal cemetery by the sea

The royal cemetery by the sea in Amaru is a sight on Rimatara and the resting place of several generations of Rimatara kings and queens. Its historical significance is therefore specifically linked to the island’s rulers. Unlike the marae, this is not about preserved foundations, but about the royal burial ground and the generations resting there. For travelers interested in Rimatara’s history, it is a distinct cultural point of reference alongside the archaeological traces and handicrafts.

Putting Amaru’s culture into context

For planning your trip, you can compare the highlights according to your interests: Tonoha'e represents archaeological remains and their location; the village activities represent handicraft techniques; and the cemetery represents Rimatara’s royal history. This distinction gives Amaru a clearly recognizable cultural profile. If culture matters in choosing your destination, the village offers several concrete points of reference, each answering a different question: What has been preserved, which activities can you experience, and whose resting place shapes the island’s history?

Discover more destinations: Rairua, Vaiuru.

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