Natalau Village

Natalau is a small village in Fiji that works to introduce visitors to the traditions of Fiji. Visitors are welcomed with a kava ceremony. They say that kava is Fiji's national drink. Kava is made from the dried and powdered roots of the yaqona plant. It is mixed in water and served from a communal bowl.
The next 2 pictures are on the green that is the center of the village. 2 tribes of the same clan live here, one on each side of the green.
The 4th picture is the village's log drum or lali. It is pounded by the village chief to gather the village and to alert all to emergencies, such as fire.
The 5th and 6th pictures are in the community hall where we were welcomed with the kava ceremony. The far wall, detailed in the 6th picture is a display of weapons with various uses and purposes from their days as a cannibalistic society.
This could be a lousy transition or juxtaposition, but we were also treated to a wonderful lunch of traditional Fijian food, but I was too busy tucking in to think of taking a picture.Read more