Eretoka

Eretoka (also Hat Island, Érétoka, Retoka, Artok) is a small uninhabited island in Shefa Province of Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean. The island lies off the western coast of Efate Island.[1][2] There is a lighthouse built in the 1960s.

Eretoka
[name]:
Artok
Eretoka Island in 2006.
Geography
LocationPacific Ocean
Coordinates17°39′00″S 168°8′00″E
ArchipelagoVanuatu
Highest point90 m
Administration
ProvinceShefa Province

Geography

Eretoka spans 2.3 kilometers in northeast-southwestern direction and has a maximum width of 670 meters. The center of the island forms a cap of coral lime over stratified pumice and is 90 meters high. Around the island center extends a wide and flat area of sand and limestone, which was lifted over the water surface during the last elevation of the seabed. Most of this area is no higher than five meters above sea level.

History

Roy Mata, a powerful 16th-17th century Melanesian chief, was buried in the island. His elaborate grave was proclaimed a taboo[3] and is supposed to contain the bodies of over 25 members of his retinue. The grave was studied by French archaeologist Jose Garranger in 1967, who analyzed the local folklore. In 2008, three sites associated with Roy Mata on the islands of Efate, Lelepa and Eretoka, were made UNESCO World Heritage Sites.[4][5]

References
  1. "Eretoka Island". Geoview. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  2. "Eretoka Island: Vanuatu". Geographic Names. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  3. Troost, J. Maarten (June 13, 2006). Getting Stoned with Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu. Crown / Archetype. p. 30. ISBN 9780767924931. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  4. "Chief Roi Mata’s Domain", UNESCO
  5. "World Heritage Status set to ensure protection of Vanuatu's Roi Mata domain". Radio New Zealand International. July 9, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
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