Before
the arrival of the Portuguese the people of Atabai lived as a free society.
They had their own king. The first king of Atabai was named Rapubuti. He was
from the village of Tutubaba (former Cutubaba/Kota-baba), sacred house of Kelama. While
he was reigning, he was always fair and clear to the people, so he was honoured
a lot. His tasks were to teach the people to plant fruits, vegetable gardens
and to raise animals. The people enjoyed the outcome of this and a part was
given to the king. When he died, the seat was given to his child named Tesmali.
He became the second liurai, from
the same village and sacred
house.
