Roy Mata
| Chief Roi Mata’s Domain | |
|---|---|
| Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List | |
 | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | iii, v, vi |
| Reference | 1280 |
| UNESCO region | Asia-Pacific |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2008 (32nd Session) |
Roy Mata was a powerful 13th century Melanesian chief from what is now Vanuatu. His elaborate grave, containing the bodies of over 25 members of his retinue, was discovered by French archaeologist Jose Garranger in 1967 and inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008. Garranger was able to locate the grave on Eretoka island by analyzing local folklore. According to legend, when Roy Mata conquered the land, his first goal was to unite the tribes. His reign is reputed to have been a peaceful one. Sadly, Roy Mata was poisoned to death by his brother, but his body was not buried on his homeland because the locals feared his spirit. To this date, the name Roy Mata is never used.
In 2008, three sites associated with Roy Mata, on the islands of Efate, Lelepa and Eretoka, were made UNESCO World Heritage Sites.[1][2]
References
- ↑ "Domaine du chef Roi Mata", UNESCO
- ↑ "World Heritage Status set to ensure protection of Vanuatu’s Roi Mata domain". Radio New Zealand International. July 9, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
- Vanuatu A to Z Retrieved August 25, 2006.
- "Roy Mata", Encyclopædia Britannica
- (English) "Roymata - Ancient King of Vanuatu", Vanuatu Tourism Office
Coordinates: 17°37′41.05″S 168°10′39.79″E / 17.6280694°S 168.1777194°E