Roko Sau

Roko Sau

Articleissues
Citations missing = December 2007
copyedit = December 2007
wikify = December 2007

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)


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Taliai Tupou — Roko Taliai Tupou (17?? 1875) was the son of Rasolo the first Tui Nayau and Radravu of Totoya. He is the younger brother of Roko Malani. He was the 3rd person to be installed to the Tui Nayau title. He is considered the progenitor of the noble… …   Wikipedia

  • Tui Nayau — is the title held by the Paramount Chief of the Lau Islands in Fiji and is synonymous with the title holders over lordship of these islands. When translated Tui Nayau means Lord of Nayau, an island north of Lakeba, the latter accepted by many to… …   Wikipedia

  • Matawalu — was the son of Niumataiwalu, first Roko Sau of Lau and Uma of Nukunuku. He became the fourth Roko Sau, ruler of the Lau Islands, after the death of his brother Rasolo, but never succeeded to the title Tui Nayau. He had been similarly exiled to… …   Wikipedia

  • Malani — This article is about the Tongan noble. For the horse breed, see Marwari horse. Roko Malani (1754–1833) was the eldest son of Rasolo, the first Tui Nayau (Paramount Chief of Fiji s Lau Islands), and of Laufitu a high ranking lady of Totoya and… …   Wikipedia

  • Soroaqali — Toki Soroaqali was a Lauan chief and member of the noble dynasty of Vuanirewa in Fiji.He was the second son of Rasolo, the first Tui Nayau through a lady of rank from the Narewadamu. He was thus half brother to both, the second and third Tui… …   Wikipedia

  • Laufitu — was a Tongan Fijian chieftainess. She was the first wife of Rasolo, who was the third Roko Sau of the Lau Islands and first installed holder of the title Tui Nayau. She was by him the mother of Malani, the seventh Roko Sau and the second to hold… …   Wikipedia

  • Vuetasau — Viliame (William) Vuetasau (c.1820 1857) was the son of Roko Malani, the seventh Roko Sau of Lau and second Tui Nayau and Ciri of Taqalevu. During the reign of his Uncle Taliai Tupou, third Tui Nayau, he was considered heir to the title. He was… …   Wikipedia

  • Vuanirewa — Nobility of Fiji Titles Adi Bulou Ro Roko Ratu Institutions Great Council of Chiefs Chairman, Great Council of Chiefs House of Chiefs Confederacies: Burebasaga Kubuna Tovata Rotuman Traditional Leadership Gagaja …   Wikipedia

  • Dranivia — was an 18th century Lauan chief and noble of the Vuanirewa dynasty. He was the third son of Uluilakeba I and last recorded member of the noble household, Naivi, to hold the title Roko Sau of the Lau Islands. He is referred to as an usurper and… …   Wikipedia

  • Alifereti Finau Ulugalala — Ratu Alifereti Finau (18?? 1934) was the eleventh Roko Sau of Lau and the fifth Tui Nayau. He was the son of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba II and Adi Asenaca Kakua Vuikaba, daughter of the Vunivalu of Bau and self styled King of Fiji, Ratu Seru Epenisa… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”