2021-09-08 Wed

Tangaroa (Takaroa in the South Island) is the great god of the sea, lakes, rivers, and creatures that live within them, especially fish, in Maori mythology. He exercises control over the tides.

In some of the Cook Islands he has similar roles. In Rarotonga, Tangaroa is the god of the sea and fertility. He is the most important of all the departmental gods. In Mangaia, Tangaroa is a child of Vatea (daylight) and Papa (foundation). Carved figures made from wood carvings are very popular on the island today. In Manihiki, Tangaroa is the origin of fire.

Tangaroa is commonly depicted on the coins of Cook Islands. The 1 Dollar coin shown above depicts Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right on the obverse with date below and name of the country around. The reverse depicts side facing – standing figure of Tangaroa, Polynesian God of Creation flanked by the divided denominations.

Image Courtesy: en.numista.com