In recent editions, we explored the historical background of the first inhabitants of Deuba Village, including their spiritual practices and totemic traditions. This week, we delve into a tumultuous era characterized by conflict and the quest for dominance.
Like many villages during this period, Deuba faced numerous challenges related to warfare and rivalries, particularly due to its status as a newly formed settlement. This week’s article revisits this historical moment through insights provided by elder and traditional priest Tu Vio Cokanasiga, as documented in William Robert Gedde’s book, “Deuba: A Study of a Fijian Village.”
Initially, the Yavusa Dravuni and Yavusa Deuba coexisted at the old village and had intermarried. Shortly after settling, a messenger from the Yavusa Korolevu of Serua arrived. This messenger, a member of Yavusa Qalo, was sent due to their historical ties with the Yavusa Dravuni, as it was believed their plea would be well-received by their relatives.
According to Mr. Cokanasiga’s account from the book, the Korolevu people were weary of their ongoing conflicts with nearby tribes and intended to relocate to Deuba. The Yavusa Dravuni consented, but with the stipulation that the new arrivals would work as laborers on their banana plantation. Consequently, the Yavusa Korolevu migrated to Deuba.
However, before long, the newcomers began to dominate, leading to the original inhabitants’ eviction. The Dravuni villagers, along with some members of Yavusa Deuba, relocated to Mau, while others moved to Beqa and Suvavou. From Mau, the Dravuni reached out to the chief of Namosi for support against the Korolevu.
Due to their kinship, a formal offering known as a tabua was unnecessary, and the chief willingly agreed to assist his relatives. Upon receiving this news, the Dravuni departed from Mau and settled in various locations near Navua. They organized a feast to welcome their allies from Namosi, which included the Tui Namosi and some Naitasiri warriors.
The festivities lasted throughout the night, and the following morning, preparations were made for an attack against the Korolevu, who were settled in Nasasa. An offensive was initiated against them, leading to significant conflict, during which the chief’s son was killed. The attackers did not pursue their enemies but returned to their camp to regroup.
Upon their return, they found their village abandoned. Meanwhile, the Tui Namosi, fearing for his safety, remained on a hill with his guards during the conflict. In gratitude for the assistance received, the Yavusa Dravuni offered gifts, such as masi and tabua, to the Tui Namosi at Delai Navua, enabling them to recover and revive their garden and village.
However, tensions soon arose again. The Tui Namosi established his presence at Navua and began to demand tributes from the Yavusa Dravuni, requesting crabs, fish, and dalo pudding. At first, the Dravuni complied out of gratitude for his earlier help. However, as the demands became incessant and excessive, they found themselves working virtually as slaves to the Namosi.
The situation worsened when a Dravuni maiden caught the chief’s eye, prompting further resentment among the Dravuni people, who then resolved to expel the Namosi from Navua. Despite this determination, the Tui Namosi’s significant influence made him a formidable adversary, not only to the Dravuni but also to the Korolevu tribes, who were eager to see him defeated.
Recognizing the opportunity, the Korolevu chiefs, alerted by the Dravuni, promised to provide assistance in the forthcoming conflict against Namosi.
Part three to be continued…