ABSTRACT
The institution of chieftainship is basic to the Tikopia political system, and traditionally was one of the key features in Tikopia religious performance. It is of interest then to examine the principles and the process of succession whereby the chiefly roles were filled. The principles of succession to this office will presumably, therefore, remain of significance for a long time to come. In Tikopia succession to chieftainship is generational, restricted to males, and hereditary. This chapter considers the type of qualities regarded as desirable in a chief by Tikopia society. The attitude of the Tikopia chiefs towards sorcery was not one of simple adherence to the traditional ethical code. The separation of the new chief from his former associates is helped by certain other mechanisms. In the Tikopia system, election of the chief is by proclamation and public acclaim, not by any process of choice by voting.
