The unique structures known as elephant houses continue to intrigue those who encounter them, often raising questions about their design and purpose. With their rounded walls, high ceilings, and distinctive arched windows, these buildings evoke a sense of nostalgia and history.
Among the remnants of these houses is one located in Raiwaqa that was featured in The Sunday Times two years ago, believed to have been constructed in the early 1950s. Recently, a visit was made to Naililili Parish in Rewa province to explore the dilapidated elephant houses still standing in the area.
Iosevo Avimeleki Qionitoga, a resident of Waivou village and a local historian, shared insights about these intriguing buildings. He often guides tourists and shares the oral history that surrounds the Naililili elephant houses, which have been vacant for several years.
Iosevo recalled that during his childhood, around 30 years ago, the houses were largely unoccupied, having previously housed priests and bishops. According to him, the Marist Brothers, who played a significant role in educating local children, are believed to have constructed these structures.
He noted that there are two such houses in Naililili; the larger one served as the bishop’s residence while the smaller one accommodated the priests. Iosevo lived in one of the houses with his family, and he described its layout, highlighting features like the two levels meant for storage and the three bedrooms alongside a spacious living area.
The second elephant house is slightly smaller and was used primarily for the priests’ rest, while its kitchen was situated outside. Iosevo speculated that the unusual architecture, possibly designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as cyclones, has contributed to the structures’ survival.
Although the exact construction date remains uncertain, Iosevo suggested that it likely came after the completion of the Naililili cathedral in 1905. Remarkably, nearly 119 years later, one of the elephant houses still stands. Materials from the first house have been repurposed for renovations at the cathedral, which, like the houses, is constructed from vatuvuso (coral rock) and covered in cement.
While there have been discussions about restoring or reconstructing these historical homes, Iosevo emphasized that it would require specialized skills and funding, both of which pose challenges. He underlined the importance of educating visitors about the area’s rich history and heritage, stating that this knowledge contributes to a person’s identity and understanding of their locale.
Iosevo also shared the meaning of “Naililili,” which translates in i-Taukei to “a place where something is to be hung,” and jokingly remarked on other interpretations that hint at local folklore.
The Naililili cathedral and its elephant houses are situated in Rewa, accessible by a short boat ride from Nasali Landing. Fr Dermot Hurley is credited with constructing several elephant houses in Raiwaqa in the 1950s, but he acknowledged their unconventional shape, which was compared humorously to an “upturned jam jar” by a bishop. Despite criticisms about their practical utility, Fr Dermot maintained that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Ultimately, the journey of these unique structures reflects a deeper engagement with local history, culture, and the stories embedded in their walls.