Who is Teka from Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft and what is their importance?

Teka is the chief of his village, consisting of 127 people, on Raroia. He had been educated in Tahiti, where he learned to read and write French. A clear thinker and able to make sure that business deals are honest, he is a valuable chief but not the true chief in the ancient sense. His vice-chief, Tupuhoe, plays that role. Teka first goes to meet the crew of the Kon-Tiki.