Photo: Whales Tooth in Use during the opening ceremony of Adi Bua 2015
The Fijian Yaqona or Kava ceremony is one that is fascinating as natural resources play an important role in ensuring the authenticity and shows the level of connection the Itaukei people have to natural resources.
This ceremony is one that from a Conservationists point of view speaks volumes of the harmonious inter-relationship that the Itaukei people have with the natural environment.
The pictorial shows the use of resources at the various stages of the Yaqona ceremony during the 2015 Adi Bua Festival. One of the major objectives of the Festival is for the revival and strengthening of the Itaukei culture and in this case it is ensuring that the unique Yaqona ceremony of the Province of Bua is kept alive. There are both elements of the land and the sea that can be witnessed during the Yaqona ceremony.
Below is a description of the natural resources used and where they are sourced from:
Natural Resource |
Source |
Use/Significance |
Tabua |
Sperm Whale |
iVakasobu/Qaloqalovi |
Masi |
Bark of the mulberry tree |
Traditional attire |
Mats |
Pandanus leaves |
Vakamamaca |
Bilo/Cup |
Coconut shell |
Used to pour the already mixed yaqona so that individuals may drink from it |
Yaqona |
Yaqona plant |
Sevusevu |
Tanoa |
Vesi tree |
Used to mix the pounded waka/yaqona |
Cowrie shell |
Cowrie shell |
Indicates the level of importance and respect accorded to an Individual who is being honoured |
Bamboo |
Bamboo plant |
Used to store water |
Like all traditional ceremonies the world over, the Itaukei people of Fiji should be proud of the uniqueness of their customs and traditions. It is important that we preserve these norms so that other cultures as well as our future generations are able to get a glimpse of what we value.
Finally, as important as it is to preserve our culture and tradition, we must also ensure to protect and conserve these natural resources that add value and authenticity to our ceremonies.