A HISTORIC silence broke on Bau Island yesterday as the Tunitoga clan performed a ivakamamaca to welcome the Tui Nayau for the first time in decades.
The traditional protocols, performed by the Vuvale o Vunivau of the Tunitoga clan, marked the first official arrival of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba to the chiefly island in his capacity as the Turaga na Tui Nayau, Na Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Na Tui Lau.
Ratu Peni Kelly Komaitai, of the Tunitoga clan, reiterated that these ancient rites were essential to formalise the Tui Nayau’s first arrival.
“The vakamamaca that was presented today serves Ratu Tevita, as his first visit as the Tui Nayau,” Ratu Peni said.
The event carries immense historical weight, as the last Tui Nayau to visit the island was the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
During the presentation, Jackson Cakacaka of the Tunitoga clan highlighted that the household had waited many years for this reunion.
“It has been a long time since we’ve been blessed with your presences,” Mr Cakacaka said.
Following the vakamamaca, the delegation was honoured with a qaloqalovi at the Naulunivuaka.
These cultural protocols serve to traditionally welcome and settle the Tui Nayau before he attends the burial of the late Na Turaga Na Taukei Naisogolaca at the sautabu.
The ceremonies reinforce the enduring bond between the people of Lau and the chiefly foundations of Bau.
