atafuan

Of or relating to Atafu, a group of coral islets of Tokelau.

Outbreaks were noted on Nukunonu in 1958, 1966 and 1971, on Fakaofo in 1965 and 1977, and on Atafu in 1959, 1965–1966 and 1977. Age-specific attack rates have been estimated from reported cases and quinquennial censuses for the Atafuan outbreaks (Table 7).

It is likewise apparent from early missionary reports of Atafu (Ella MS. 1861; Gee MS. 1862) that Fakaofo appropriated Atafu timber and Atafuan labour to make their canoes.

A native or inhabitant of Atafu.

The natives of Atafu having embraced Christianity, the Native Teachers there, Maka and Mafalā, arranged for a missionary voyage, to induce the inhabitants of Nukunono and Fakaofo to receive the Gospel. Two double canoes, containing 22 Atafuans, with Mafalā the Teacher, set out on this noble errand.

The traditional histories of Tokelau suggest separate founding populations at each atoll, and record the subsequent hegemony of Fakaofo by driving off the "true" Atafuans and conquering the people of Nukunonu. Atafu was not resettled until about 1800.