Fiji: The Chief’s house

Vale Levu, literally means “The Big House” where chiefs live. There are many chiefs and many houses. A chief’s house is distinguished by its size, decoration and numerous entrances. You must be invited into a chief’s home, and depending on your status, you may only enter certain doors. The chief enters his home through his personal entrance, a practice still observed today.

Until 200 years ago chief’s homes were guarded by personal body guards. Anyone using the wrong door, intentionally or otherwise, would have been clubbed to death. Bodyguards today are more lenient.

The limo tamu, or “Sacred Hymns” clan is responsible for handling all the details when a chief dies. Before any public announcements are made, the limo tamu clan sends emissaries to announce the death to other chiefs. After proper protocol is followed, an announcement can be made over the radio. The family dresses and prepares the body at the local morgue. Once the body of chief is brought to the village for the funeral, the limo tamu take possession of it, handle the body, casket and all items involved. They also have responsibility to guard the burial site for as many days and nights as needed.