Vanua ni Tui Cultural Center

The Center for the Study of Fijian Culture

	Proposed restoration of a chiefly Bure
	The Center for the Study of Fijian Culture is located at the historic seat of the State of Wailevu, where the Lords of the ruling clan of Navesi resided. Vanua ni Tui, which means "Land of the Lords", will exist in a restored site, which will include the ancient residences and the way of life they housed. The Center preserves many aspects of the indigenous Fijian culture as a living Museum, offering a fascinating picture of early Fijian life. The restoration design and the planning of the surrounding community constitute a demonstration of a natural, self-sustaining, ecologically based community. The ruins of the early houses of the Tui, chiefs, warlords, Bure Kalaou (House of God), and the Meeting House will be restored. The mound sites of each building have been identified and located on the plan. The central open space, known as the "sacred ground", taboo to all commoners, will be redeveloped. Certain villages specialized in a type of service provided the Lord Tui and chiefs. Closest to the Tui was the guardian village, whose duty it was to protect the Tui and the fortified compound. Additionally there was the warrior village, the carving village that produced war canoes and armament, a fishing village, food-cooking village, and a village of the priests. These villages have been recreated on the northern portion of the 11 acre site, adjacent to the present ruins. During scheduled tours, which will begin at the entry to the Cultural Center, Fijians will demonstrate how the various artifacts are constructed and used. In each of the Bures within the symbolic villages, artifacts typical to that village will be exhibited. The Bure of the present ruling Tui, Ratu Kinijoji Maivalili will be part of the site. The Center isorganized as a self-supporting non-profit organization.
				Chiefly Bure
				Vanua ni Tui Cultural Center Plan
				© Copyright Beverly Willis 1999 back to contents page