Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VASU AND TAUVU
Two important concepts can influence the tribal hierarchy: vasu and tauva . Vasu is a spe-
cial Melanesian privilege held by a nephew over his uncles on the mother's side. The extent
of this privilege is limited by the rank of those concerned but a son born to both a chiefly
mother and father can expect rights over the property of his uncles on the mother's side.
Cakobau famously used this privilege to extend his powerbase from Bau.
The term tauvu literally means “sprung from the same spirit” and is the special relation-
ship between two tribes sharing the same totemic god, usually an animal such as a turtle or
shark. Every tribe knows its corresponding tauvu around the country even though the actu-
al vu , or spirit, may well have been forgotten by the younger generation. The relationship
of the tauvu enables free access to food and hospitality between the respective tribes and
once meant allegiance in times of war.
Administration and village law
For administrative purposes, the colonial government divided Fiji into four geographic areas
- Western, Central, Eastern and Northern - made up of fourteen provinces , or yasana . These
divisions still apply today. Within each province are a number of districts known as tikina
which share a common pool of amenities such as health centres and schools. Villages are
each expected to elect an administrator or turaga ni koro to enforce government rules. It is
the turaga ni koro whom visitors should address when first entering a village, and not the
chief, who is considered above such matters.
In most instances, village law takes precedence over the law of the land. For example, if a
theft takes place, the suspect's family is advised and expected to punish the wrongdoer and
seek forgiveness for the crime, usually by presenting food to the victim. Should this fail to
resolve the matter, the tokatoka are gathered at a formal yaqona ceremony at which the in-
dividual is shamed and held accountable. Persistent offenders are dealt with by the leader of
the mataqali , who in extreme cases may insist on a public flogging. For serious crimes, for
example drug dealing, murder or rape, the turaga ni koro steps in to enforce government law.
Land rights
The issue of land rights is central to ethnic Fijian culture and identity. The vast majority (87
percent) of Fiji's land is owned by indigenous Fijians and classed as “native land” under a
tenure system introduced by the British. Clan chiefs distribute land among their members for
building homes or planting gardens for personal use. Should an individual wish to make a
profit from the land, an official government lease must be obtained through the Native Land
Trust Board (NLTB). It is from these land leases that the majority of rural Fijians receive an
income to support their traditional lifestyles.
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