Matai Vasa is a minor character in Disney's 2016 film Moana. He is the ancestral leader of Moana Waialiki's tribe, having led her ancestors to Motunui.
Role in the film
Matai appears during the song "We Know the Way" in a flashback depicting his travels with his people. Throughout the song, he is seen guiding the boats as they voyage to Motunui. Once his people colonize Motunui, Matai gives his necklace to his son and passes the title of chief onto him.
Matai is later seen during "I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)" as a ghost. As the boats make their way past Moana, Matai nods to her as a greeting.
Trivia
- In Lithuanian, Matai means "measurements".
- Matai's name was revealed in Moana: The Essential Guide. In the game Disney Crossy Road, he is named "Ghost Matai".
- As the first chief, it is possible that he started the tradition of placing stones on top of the mountain of Motunui.
- Matai had a slightly larger role in previous drafts of the movie, as he was mentioned by name a few times. At one point, Gramma Tala had Moana memorize her ancestors, beginning with Matai, all the way down to her grandfather: Tala's husband.
Gallery
Concept Art
Screenshots
Reading the stars
