Born on Nuku Hiva around 1823, Vaekehu was a high-ranking woman in a line of powerful and wealthy Marquesan women. She grew up in a period when the 'old ways' were still vital and the structure of 'traditional' Marquesan life intact. She married Temoana, the island's highest-ranking chief; their high status led the French to dub them 'king' and 'queen' of Nuku Hiva. She lived until 1901, and her long life, which was recorded by numerous writers and artists, mirrored the dramatic changes that occurred in the archipelago in the 19th century because of depopulation, missionisation and colonisation.