Chiefly Blood Ties Consolidated

Fiji Sun

by Jona Bola

 

Ratu Joji Cakobau (left), looks on as the Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa (kneeling) greets Na i taukei Naua, Ratu Jope Seniloli (second from left). Looking on are Roko Tui Bau Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi and Ratu Epenisa Cakobau (far right) at Bau Island last Saturday. Photo: Jona Bola

The iTaukei tradition of ‘carasala’ or renewing blood ties was re-enacted last Saturday at the chiefly island of Bau.

This was when members of the Mataqali Valelevu (chiefly clan) of Lomanikoro, Rewa, paid a courtesy visit to the chiefly household of Kubuna. Led by the Roko Tui Dreketi (the paramount chief of Burebasaga) Ro Teimumu Kepa, the delegation from Rewa went across to Bau to rekindle family ties between the two chiefly households.

Upon their arrival at Bau, Ro Teimumu paid a courtesy visit to Vunivau, the residence of the Tunitoga, the Vunivalu’s herald. The Tunitoga, in turn, later escorted the Rewa delegation to Mataiwelagi, the residence of the late Vunivalu of Bau, Ratu Sir George Cakobau.

Ro Temumu was received by Ratu Sir George’s son, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, and the current Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.

Also present were the Na i taukei Naua, Ratu Jope Seniloli,  and Ratu George Kadavulevu from the Muaidule household. Ratu Jope is a former Vice-President of Fiji.

Ro Teimumu and her delegation presented gifts and other traditional items to Ratu Epenisa’s household. She was also accorded a traditional ceremony of welcome and was also presented gifts.

Later in the day Ro Teimumu visited Ratu Epenisa’s mother the Radini Levuka, Lady Lelea Cakobau and Adi Kaunilotuma, Ratu Epenisa’s younger sister and presented them with gifts.
Lady Lelea was visibly elated with the visit as she and Ro Teimumu shared some light moments with other women present.

The chiefly guests of the day at Bau were later treated to lunch of which sea delicacies were the main course.

The day ended with merrymaking and dancing by members of the two chiefly families.
Ro Teimumu had, earlier in the year, paid a courtesy visit to her relatives at Ucunivanua in Verata to consolidate the relationship between their chiefly families.