Tofor

Chief Tofor-kon Tete Rengrengmal (1918 – December 1999) was a Vanuatuan chief and an influential individual within his community in the northern part of the island of Ambrym for his role during World War II.

Early life and family

Tofor-kon Tete Rengrengmal was born around 1918. Tofor's father, Chief Tainmal, was the highest-ranking chief in the island's history.

Role as personal bodyguard

During his adolescence, Tofor had a reputation for being a skillful warrior. As a result of this he got recruited by Chief Bule Tainmal as his personal bodyguard.

World War II service

During World War II, Tofor was trained by the United States Army of the Allies, and was deployed in combat in the Solomon Islands.

Legal disputes and allegations

Accusations of Tofor's involvement in several killings led to disputes with French and English authorities. Witnesses attributed these deaths to Tofor's "mystical powers", making it challenging for the authorities to pursue legal action due to the lack of concrete evidence.

Legacy and honors

By the time of Chief Bule Tainmal's passing in 1972, Tofor had ascended to the Meleun Getlam rank. Tofor presided over the solemn death-ceremony for his father and fulfilled his Mal rank obligations on the same day, reflecting his commitment to tradition and honor.

Tofor died in December 1999.

External links

• Lissant Bolton (September 1998). "Chiefs of Vanuatu". Journal of Pacific History. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017.