The Sawau (Fijian pronunciation: [saɰɔu̯]) tribe in Fiji is made of 6 villages on the island of Beqa, 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) to the south of Viti Levu, but the District is only made up of 5 villages. They are as follows:

  • Dakuibeqa (Chiefly Village –Tui Sawau),
  • Dakuni,
  • Soliyaga,
  • Naceva,
  • Naseuseu and
  • Rukua – (Part of the Tribe of Sawau but part of the District of Raviravi)
Sawau
Tribe
Sawau is located in Fiji
Sawau
Sawau
Location in Fiji
Coordinates: 18°24′32.65″S 178°8′24.67″E / 18.4090694°S 178.1401861°E / -18.4090694; 178.1401861
CountryFijiFiji
DivisionCentral Division
Vilavilairevo - Traditional Beqa Firewalking

The people of Sawau are known for performing two cultural expressions:

  • Vilavilairevo (Firewalking)[1][2] The phenomena was examined in 1902 when it was already a tourist attraction, with a "Probable Explanation of the Mystery" arrived at.[3]
  • Yavirau or Qolikubu – (Fish drive)

References

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  • Guido Carlo Pigliasco (2020) The Custodians of the Gift. Fairy Beliefs, Holy Doubts and Heritage Paradoxes on a Fijian Island. Firenze University Press. DOI: 10.36253/978-88-5518-085-6
  1. ^ Burns, Georgette Leah (1994). "Tourism Impact in Beqa". In R. J. Morrison; Paul A. Geraghty; Linda Crowl (eds.). Science of Pacific Island Peoples: Education, language, patterns & policy. Institute of Pacific Studies. p. 29. ISBN 9820201071.
  2. ^ Admin (February 15, 2016). "What is Firewalking in Fiji?". Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  3. ^ Fulton, Robert (1902). "Art. XIII.—An Account of the Fiji Fire-walking Ceremony, or Vilavilairevo, with a Probable Explanation of the Mystery". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 35: 187–201.