Everything was checked and checked again by the Vunivalu’s traditional spokesman, Ratu Niko Komaitai, also known by the title of Tunitoga.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on March 20, 1990, the burua (lifting of the 100-night mourning) of the late paramount chief of Kubuna, Ratu Sir George Kadavulevu Cakobau, had to be done with a strict eye to protocol and tradition as nothing could be left to chance.
So, when the time came for about 500 people to descend on the chiefly island of Bau to mark the bogidrau or the 100th night since the Vunivalu’s death with a thanksgiving magiti or feast, everything went like clockwork.
When Ro Jone Mataitini, the Ombudsman and Vunivalu of Rewa, arrived as the head of the Burebasaga group – one of the major traditional delegations at the function – no time was wasted in escorting him and his party to a place of honour where they were accorded all the ceremony and close attention his high rank warranted.
In Ro Jone’s party were the Tui Tavuki Ratu Peceli Nanovo, the Vunivalu of Serua Ratu Peni Latianara and Ratu Ifereimi Buaserau of Namosi.
From the Tovata confederation came Ratu Finau Mara, leading the Vuanirea people and Maika Ravula at the head of a Cakaudrove group representing the Tui Cakau, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau.
The magiti prepared by the Kubuna people to thank everyone who had attended the Vunivalu’s funeral included piles of cooked and uncooked food shared out for people to take home.
Parties that were unable to attend the Bau functions had their magiti sent to them.
The article stated the people of Tailevu began pouring onto the island with their magiti to be presented to the people of other provinces – these included slaughtered cattle, pigs, and tons of dalo and yams.
Customs and traditions called for them to do this as the Vunivalu was head of the Kubuna confederacy.
After the traditional ceremonies of welcome, the magiti was then distributed.
Akuila Baravi accepts the magiti presented by the people of Kubuna. Inset – A pig is wheeled away in a wheelbarrow to the village ground for the magiti presentation. Pictures: FILE
Ratu Tua’akitau Cokanauto among a group of Bau elders sitting on the village ground after presenting their magiti. Picture: FILE
