The most prominent landmarks in the town are theMatâ'Utu Cathedral, the palace next to it and backdrop of the Mt. Lulu Fakahega where there is an old chapel.[3]
In medieval times,Tuʻi Tonga invaders waged war against the islanders and took control. They installed the first chiefs, and called them theUveas, which became the ruling dynasty of the two islands; they are based at Mata-Utu to this day. During recent archaeological excavations of the area, fortifications built by theTongans (circa theMiddle Ages) were unearthed, at nearbyTalierumu andMalama Tagata.
Catholic missionaries, who came to the island in 1837, ensured that the entire population of the islands was converted toChristianity, in a short period of five years. During this time, missionaries not only protected the islanders from the “highhandedness” of the Europeans, but also ensured that a number of churches were built; mainly at Mata-Utu, but also atMu’a andVaitupu islands.
In the 19th century, Mata-Utu was developed into a town from a small village, by the French (who installed most of Wallis & Futuna's major facilities). Historically, pigs, poultry, yams, bananas, and coconut were available to arriving boats.[4] During World War II, theFree French sloopChevreuil landed a detachment ofFrench Marines at Mata-Utu. A small skirmish ensued, after whichVichy French dissidents were taken captive, and the island’s radio communications centre was overtaken.[5] Francis Fox Parry of the 1st Battalion of the 11th Marines also landed here.[5]
Mata-Utu is the largest urban centre onWallis Island, which lies between Tahiti and Nouméa.[3] Uvea or Wallis island with Mata’Utu as its capital has an area of 60 km2 and is part of the larger Wallis archipelago. It is surrounded by coral reefs. Mata’Utu is the administrative headquarters and business capital of the Wallis islands.[6] It is located on the eastern coast, along the main coast road RT1. The north-south RT1 and RT3, coming from the west, intersect in the town centre.[7] Mata-Utu is one of two ports in Wallis and Futuna, the other being atLeava.[8] There are several small islets in the lagoon offshore beyondMata-Utu Bay (Baie de Mata'utu), includingLuaniva,Fugalei,Nukuhione, andNukuhifala; the islets are a good place for ships to anchor as the shore at Mata-Utu Bay is not adequate for this purpose.[9][10] Mata Utu Bay lies about 3 miles (5 km) to the northeast ofMua Bay.[11]
Downtown Mata-Utu is dominated by theMatâ'Utu Cathedral, a French national monument, which bears the royal insignia of Wallis, aMaltese cross between its towers.[13] The cathedral is also known as "Our Lady of Good Hope Cathedral", which overlooks the lagoon. Within its vicinity there are, as well as several restaurants, the Au Bon Marche and Oceania market, hotels and the post office, and the simplePalace of the King of Uvéa, which features two-storey verandas adjoining the church.[3][6]
There is also a platform known locally asFale Fono on the opposite side of the wharf which was used by the chief of the local tribes to address people. The hill known as the Mt. Lulu Fakahega, which rises to a height of 145 m, forms the backdrop of the village. It has an old chapel at the top. This site is accessed by a short and narrow road and the view from the top of the hill is particularly scenic.[3]
The economy of the island is dependent on its chief produce of copra, cassava, yams,taro roots, and bananas. Livestock consists of 25,000 pigs and 7,000 goats. The unit of currency is theCFP franc. The balance of imports is not favorable to the islands as imports exceed exports.[2]
The magistrate's court of Wallis and Futuna is located in Mata-Utu.[14] Radio Wallis et Futuna is broadcast from Mata-Utu.[15] A short distance out of town are the police station and shopping mall. There is also a branch of theIndosuez Bank in Mata-Utu, and a thermal power station.[2] The Uvéa Shop sells cassettes of the music of the Wallisian singer and composerPalisio Tuauli of the bandTalamohe.[16] The town lacks a tourist information center.[13]
A cargo shipping service connects to Mata’Utu on Wallis andLeava on Futuna withNouméa. As of 1995, there were eight cargo vessels with a total capacity of 146128 DWT.[2] TheHihifo Airport serves Mata’Utu and Wallis Island is 6 km (4 mi) northwest of the town.
Dancers from Wallis and Futuna performing the 'Plantation'
The cultural identity of the Wallis's islanders is Wallisian, an offshoot of Polynesian culture. The language spoken in the town and on the island is 'Uvean, a derivative of Western Polynesian with close affinity toTongan. In Wallis island, Wallisians use 'Uvean as their everyday language, while French is the language of the administration.
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