'Aliki

'Aliki is a term in the Wallisian and Futunan Polynesian languages that refers to a category of people related to the chieftaincy of Wallis and Futuna and its members.

[2] Anthropologist Sophie Chave-Dartoen defines it as follows:[1] a title that, inherited from a prestigious ancestor, grants authority, responsibilities, and privileges to its holder [...] The title is given by the "elders" of the descent group to the one who is considered the most worthy and capable of serving the community.While the genealogical link to a founding ancestor of a lineage is very important, the personal abilities of an 'aliki are also taken into account; in cases of unrest causing dissatisfaction among the population with the person, they can be deposed.

[3] Among the 'aliki, some people are designated by the royal families to be customary kings: the Lavelua in Uvea, the Tu'i Sigave and the Tuiagaifo in Futuna.

Upon the arrival of the Marist Fathers in 1837 in Wallis, the Lavelua (customary king) Soane Patita Vaimua relied on the Catholic clergy to strengthen his authority.

Mixed marriages were allowed to weaken the local aristocracy and level social differences, as many Wallisians could now claim royal ancestry.

[1] The Bataillon Code, enacted in 1871, formalized the organization of the chieftaincy following the model of the French monarchy and established Christian-inspired rules.

[7] Being part of a Fono Aliki grants a respected status throughout the kingdom, leading to significant competition to have a family member elected as a customary king.