A bit of history

TODAY’S installation of Ratu Epenisa Cakobau as the Vunivalu na Tui Kaba is not only significant, it is also historic.

To understand the significance, The Fiji Times looked back at the Installation of Ratu George Kadavulevu Cakobau as Vunivalu na Tui Kaba in September, 1959.

That event was linked to July 26, 1853, when Ratu Cakobau – late Tui Viti – Ratu George’s great-grandfather was installed.

A key element of the ceremony was when Ratu Edward Tugi Tuivanuavou Cakobau (Ratu George’s first cousin) presented him with a whale’s tooth and pledged the Bauan people’s loyalty and the loyalty of those associated with Bau.

FIVE SIGNALS

Before the ceremony, five signals were beaten from a lali.

On the fifth beat, Ratu George left the chiefly residence of Mataiwelagi draped in traditional masi and walked along a mat more than 200 yards to the vakatunuloa. He was escorted by traditional guards armed with clubs and wooden axes and dressed in traditional iTaukei attire.

Women sat in pairs, opposite each other, at distances along the entire length of the route. A ‘tama’ was given when Ratu George entered the vakatunuloa. He took his seat and the ceremony, which lasted an hour, began.

While presenting the whale’s tooth, Ratu Edward asked the Vunivalu that in his position as Paramount Chief of Fiji, he should take a deep interest in everything that concerns all other high chiefs in Fiji.

The whale’s tooth was accepted by the Vunivalu, who passed it to Ratu Rusiate Komaitai, Tunitoga, chief herald of Bau.

YAQONA PRESENTATION Presentation of yaqona was made by Ratu Manoa Komaitai. It was then acknowledged by Ratu Niko Komaitai – the assistant Roko Tui Tailevu.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was when Dr Ratu J A R Dovi, Roko Tui Bau, as cupbearer, presented the yaqona to Ratu George. This was unique in the history of Bau. It was a tense moment when Ratu Dovi stood up with the bowl of yaqona, accompanied by chants by the people of Bau, who formed part of the yaqona ceremony.

Ratu stood poised, then turned, paused in the traditional custom, keeping in time with the chant, and as soon as it stopped, took a few paces, crouched and presented the yaqona to the Vunivalu.

OTHERS IN SUCCESSION

Chief Herald of Bau (mata-ni-vanua) Ratu Rusiate Komaitai was the second to drink (rabe). Next in line was Ratu Popi Seniloli, Qaranivalu of Naitasiri, Ratu George’s father’s namesake.

Next was the Tui Tavuki of Kadavu, Ratu Orisi Narokete. This was the end of the chiefly yaqona. Another chief who drank was the late paramount chief of Cakaudrove – Ratu Josefa Lalabalavu.

TRADITIONAL MEKE Performed by Bau, Namata, Yatumabua, Nakelo, Namara, Suva and Ra.

■ The Fiji Times, September, 1959