Roko Sau

Roko Sau

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Sau Mai Kedekede is a title held by the Paramount Chief of the Lau Islands, held in tandem with the title Tui Nayau.

A brief history

The title Sau Mai Kedekede bears its origins from the Tongan word “Hau”, denoting the divine nature of the Tu'i Tonga suggesting the frequent intercourse amongst the chiefly houses of Lakeba and Tonga in pre Christian times. In addition, the title of Sau is considered much older and independent of the title Tui Nayau, as its original holders were from the island of Lakeba (pre- Vuanirewa dynasty). The first recorded holder of the title was Qilaiso and it was through him and his three descendants and successors, that all of southern Lau (Kabara, Fulaga, Ono-i- Lau and their dependencies) was brought into Lakeba’s control and suzerainty. The Sau title eventually merged in time with the title Tui Nayau, and its dual usage commenced in the person of Rasolo. Both titles are now inextricably linked, and heirs succeeding to the title Tui Nayau cannot do so unless recognised and installed as Sau Ni Vanua.

The installation

The installation ceremony for the Sau Ni Vanua takes place in Tubou on Lakeba. Once the elders of the Vuanirewa have endorsed the successor to the previous Tui Nayau, the "Ramasi" or chief makers and "Vakavanua" or chiefs herald are summoned to undertake the ceremony. The Ramasi consists of the Tui Tubou and the Tui Nasaqalau and the Vakavanua comprises the Tui Ceiekena and Tui Soso (from Nukunuku village). During the installation ceremony the recipient will have a piece of bark cloth tied on his arms by each of the Ramasi, and will have the coronation turban placed upon his head by the Vakavanua as well as receive the coronation cup containing kava, which he must drink to affirm his becoming Sau Ni Vanua. This is then followed by a general kava ceremony where principal chiefs of rank in Lau drink in turn, ceremonial titles are conferred by the Sau and presentations of gifts by his people. The Sau's installation concludes with the removal of the arm bands and ritual bath after four days.

Title holders

The historical holders of the title of Sau Mai Kedekede are provided below:

Of the Ceiekena Dynasty (16- 17th Century):
*Qilaiso
*Bativanua
*Ginigini
*Vuakilau or Fuakilau

Levuka Occupancy of Lakeba (early to mid 1700’s)
*Codro

The Vuanirewa Dynasty (mid 1700’s to present)

(title merges with Tui Nayau title in the person of Rasolo)

Footnotes

References

*"The Fruit of the Rewa" By A.C Reid, Journal of Pacific History-Vol 12:1-2 (1977)
*"Lau Islands, Fiji" By A.M Hocart, Published by the Bishop Museum, Hawaii (1929)
*"Southern Lau, Fiji: An Ethnography" By Laura Thompson, Published by the Bishop Museum, Hawaii (1940)
*"Tovata I & II" By AC Reid, Printed in Fiji by Oceania printers Fiji (1990)


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