In recent editions, we explored the origins of Deuba Village and the spiritual practices of its first inhabitants. This week, we delve into a tumultuous past marked by conflict as villages sought dominance over one another.
Deuba, like many villages of its time, faced significant challenges from warfare and rivalry. As a newly established community, its residents struggled to defend against various threats. This historical narrative is chronicled in William Robert Gedde’s book “Deuba: A Study of a Fijian Village,” where elder and traditional priest Tu Vio Cokanasiga recounts the adversities faced by the village’s early inhabitants.
The Yavusa Dravuni and Yavusa Deuba coexisted in the old village and intermarried. Shortly after settling, they received a messenger from the Yavusa Korolevu of the Serua province. This messenger belonged to the Yavusa Qalo, who had previously been part of the Yavusa Dravuni. The choice of the messenger was deliberate, as their familial connection to the hosts would likely ensure a cordial reception.
According to Cokanasiga, the messenger conveyed that the Korolevu people were weary of ongoing conflicts and expressed their desire to relocate part of their group to Deuba. The Yavusa Dravuni consented, provided that the newcomers would work on their banana plantation. Soon after, members of Yavusa Korolevu migrated to Deuba.
However, the initial harmony was short-lived as the newcomers became overbearing and eventually forced the original inhabitants to leave. The Dravuni people, alongside a few from Yavusa Deuba, relocated to Mau, while others fled to Beqa and Suvavou. From Mau, the Dravuni sent a message to the chief of Namosi, seeking assistance against Korolevu. As they were kin, the customary offerings to the chief were not needed, and he agreed to help.
Following this, the Dravuni moved from Mau to several locations near Navua, including Naitata, Nailati, Damalamala, and Namuamiwaqa, where they organized a welcome feast for their allies, including the Tui Namosi and a few warriors from Naitasiri. Celebrations led into the night, and preparations began for an impending attack.
The joint forces attempted a strategic maneuver to surprise Korolevu by swimming the Navua River and launching an attack on their settlement. The conflict resulted in significant losses, including the death of the chief’s son, prompting a retreat back to the original village, which was found deserted.
Upon returning home, the Dravuni sought to rebuild their village and gardens. Unfortunately, their troubles continued as the Tui Namosi began imposing tributes upon them, demanding food items daily. Initially grateful for the assistance received, the Dravuni people ultimately felt they were being treated like slaves.
Amid growing dissatisfaction over the demands and a personal interest in a Dravuni maiden by the chief, the Dravuni people resolved to reclaim their autonomy and drive out the Namosi. Recognizing the power of Tui Namosi as a formidable threat not only to them but also to the Korolevu tribes, the Dravuni sent emissaries to Korolevu, signaling their intention to retaliate.
Part three continues…