Fijian folklore tells the captivating tale of two ancient women with supernatural abilities, commonly referred to as Marama Rua or Yalewa Kalou. These figures have been central to local traditions and myths for generations, embodying the rich cultural tapestry of Fiji. In Tukavesi village, located in the Natewa district of Cakaudrove, the traditional custodians of a long-lost story about two “yalewa tevoro” (female devils) have sparked curiosity over their legendary existence.
Recently, a team from The Sunday Times undertook a journey into the dense jungle near Tukavesi in Buca Bay, seeking to capture imagery of the supposed site where the two beings were apprehended and to collect insights from village elders. A formal request was made to the village chief, Ravouvou, for permission to document the narrative and explore historical village locations connected to the yalewa tevoro. Local theories suggest that ancestors of today’s Tukavesi villagers may have first encountered these beings when the village was originally located at Nakorotu, not far from the shore. The ancient community initially established their stronghold in the mountain area known as Navaki, later migrating downwards towards the coast and ultimately settling at Tukavesi.
The village headman, Selesitino Vosayaco, recounts incidents from when their ancestors inhabited Nakorotu, where mysterious losses of banana and plantain crops caused much distress. In an attempt to catch the elusive thief, a villager volunteered to watch over the plantation. After some time, he heard the sounds of giggling coming from the forest and discovered two women playfully gathering and eating his crops. He stealthily followed them, perplexed at their mischievous behavior, until he observed them vanish into the ground. Remarkably, he marked the spot with a stick before racing back to inform the village.
The men of the village followed the trail to where the women had disappeared. After digging near the marked spot, they uncovered a crude burrow filled with fruit peels. Upon hearing one woman express concern about being found, they apprehended both beings, who pleaded for their freedom, promising supernatural powers in exchange. Ultimately, the village decided to take one of the women back to marry her, while the other vanished, leaving behind a sense of mystery.
The woman that was taken married a villager and had two children, Sera Poleni and Te Para, who possessed strange gifts that blurred the lines between human and supernatural. Villagers were both fascinated and wary of them, as their behaviors often defied explanation. Sera, in particular, was said to perform extraordinary feats, including catching fish effortlessly and withstand searing heat without injury.
The narrative takes a somber turn as it suggests a tragic end to the siblings’ lineage. Reports indicate their mother disappeared years later, and although their lives were filled with magic, they seemed to face social challenges. An incident involving their father’s anger over their child’s care led the woman to disappear for good, leaving behind a legacy that would eventually fade. Tragically, the siblings remained childless, marking the end of their unique bloodline, which some attribute to the changing belief systems in their village.
In sharing these stories, The Sunday Times acknowledges the complexity of oral histories and welcomes contributions from those who may have different accounts. Tukavesi Village, accessible by a local bus ride from Savusavu town, remains a community rich with history, government services, and cultural significance.