The Mataki-Bau tribe of Nakoroivau Village in Bau, Tailevu, mobilised this week to carry out what tribal elders described as their sacred duty: nourishing the ligatabu during the final rites for the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. As the province prepared for the former head of state’s burial, the Mataki-Bau organised food and refreshments for those performing the physically demanding tasks associated with handling the chiefly remains.
Tribal representative Mr Ratogotogo confirmed the group’s responsibilities extended through the entire traditional process. “We look after the Mataki-Bau from the beginning of the clean up of the sautabu until the chiefly burial,” he said, describing work that included preparing meals and sustaining the ligatabu attendants through the sequence of customary rites. The mobilisation underscores the central role of local mataqali and mata-ni-tikina in overseeing ritual care during high-profile chiefly funerals.
Mr Ratogotogo used the occasion to reflect on Ratu Epeli’s relationship with ordinary people, praising the late leader’s capacity to bridge the gap between high office and grassroots communities. Recalling the former occupant of the presidency by his chiefly title, Na Turaga Taukei Naisogolaca, Ratogotogo said Ratu Epeli “was indeed a man for the people,” noting that the chief moved among commoners without being weighed down by rank.
A specific anecdote highlighted by Mr Ratogotogo illustrated that trait and was offered as evidence of Ratu Epeli’s humility and service. He recounted an incident when the ligatabu’s vakavinavinaka — the ceremony of thanks for the sacred remains — “wasn’t all,” which upset Ratu Epeli. In response, Mr Ratogotogo said, Ratu Epeli personally gave a kamunaga for the vakavinavinaka to the ligatabu, a gesture the representative described as emblematic of a leader who ensured proper observance of custom and cared for those tasked with customary duties.
The Mataki-Bau’s actions form the latest visible element of the province’s ceremonial preparations for Ratu Epeli’s burial. While national and provincial authorities have managed broader arrangements around the former president’s state and community commemorations, the work of tribal groups such as Mataki-Bau reflects the customary responsibilities that remain crucial to iTaukei funeral protocol — from the physical care of the sautabu to the logistical and spiritual sustenance of those who perform the rites.
Mr Ratogotogo framed the tribe’s mobilisation not only as an obligation but as a tribute to Ratu Epeli’s life of service. “Such gestures were the hallmark of a true and great leader,” he said, adding that responding to the ligatabu’s needs was both a duty and an expression of respect for the late chief’s connection to his people. The Mataki-Bau’s role will continue through the concluding burial ceremonies as Nakoroivau Village and Bau mark the final stages of the traditional rites.
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