Vanua

In Fijian and in Fiji English, "vanua" is an essential concept of indigenous Fijian culture and society. It is generally translated in English as "land", but "vanua" as a concept encompasses a number of inter-related meanings. When speaking in English, Fijians may use the word "vanua" rather than an imprecise English equivalent. According to Fijian academic Asesela Ravuvu, a correct translation would be "land, people and custom". "Vanua" means "the land area one is identified with", but also:"the people, their traditions and customs, beliefs and values, and the various other institutions established for the sake of achieving harmony, solidarity and prosperity within a particular social context. [...] It provides a sense of identity and belonging. [...] The vanua [...] is an extension of the concept of the self." [ Asesela Ravuvu, 1983, quoted in: Stephanie Sienkiewicz, [http://www.anthropology.union.edu/fiji99/sienkiewicz/ssind8.htm "Ethnic relations in Fiji: Peaceful coexistence and the recent shift in the ethnic balance"] , Union College Department of Anthropology, June 2000]

An indigenous Fijian person is thus defined through his or her land; the concepts of personhood and land ownership are viewed as inseperable. This is also the case for other indigenous peoples of Oceania, such as Australian Aboriginals ("see: Dreaming") and New Zealand Maori ("see: iwi").

A "vanua" is also a confederation of several "yavusa" ("clans" established through descent from a common ancestor). A "vanua" in this sense is associated with its ownership of an area of "vanua" in the sense of "land"; the various meanings of "vanua" are, here too, interrelated. [Sienkiewicz, "ibid"] [ [http://www.nltb.com.fj/glossory.html Fiji Native Land Trust Board glossary] ]

In Vanuatu, "vanua" also means land. The name of the Vanua'aku Pati literally means "Our Land Party". Hence also the name of Vanuatu itself, which means "eternal land" or "rising land" [ [http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/docs/student/jilda/text/island.html University of the South Pacific] ] [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/pda/A7641380 BBC] ] .

The word "vanua" is found in the place names Vanua Levu, Vanua Lava, Vanua Balavu and Vanuatu.

Politics

Indigenous land ownership is a key issue in conservative and indigenous nationalistic Fijian politics. Several right-wing, essentially indigenous parties refer to "vanua" in their names:
*Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party
*Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua

References

ee also

*Cultural identity
*Culture of Fiji