Na Duigauna

Na Duigauna is the formal name of the traditional abode or the chiefly house of the Turaga na Ratu, the Chief of the members of the Vanuakula clan who now reside in the village of Matacawalevu in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji. While the chiefly title Na Ratu is transferred through blood lines, at the death of the incumbent, Na Duigauna remains in perpetuity his or her official residence.
History
The chiefly title Na Ratu is the older Fijian title to which Fijian chiefs were referred before the introduction of the newer phrase Tui. This is particularly true when one compares the title Tui Drola, now the newer title of the Paramount Chief of the Drola clan (Yavusa ko Drola). Oral tradition has it that the bloodline of those who are now the hereditary holder of the title "Tui Drola" originated from Vunibola, the younger sibling of the then Ratu of the Vanuakula clan. In the most solemn of Fijian ceremonies where the Tui Drola and Na Ratu are both present, despite being the holder of the title Turaga i Taukei (senior chief), the Tui Drola yields the first bowl of kava or yaqona to Na Ratu. Members of both the Vanuakula and Drola clans are often oblivious to this subtle and deeply respectful recognition of sibling seniority between the two chiefly households.
Destruction
Na Duigauna was destroyed in 1977 by Cyclone Bebe. The traditional builders of the House have yet to decide on its reconstruction. Since its destruction, Na Duigauna has been occupied by two Ratu. Ratu Tevita Navolaca pass away in 1993 and has since been replaced by his cousin and younger sibling brother, Ratu Selema Koyanasiko Navoti. Ratu Navoti has held the title Na Ratu for over 20 years.
Origin of the term
Na Duigauna can be literally translated to mean in one sense history, in the other, generational. The origin of the name is said to have been brought by the original inhabitants who have always referred themselves as "people originating from Vanuakula" or Kai Vanuakula. Na Ratu hails from the tokatoka (sub-clan) known as Vanuakula, the Mataqali (clan) Vanuakula and the Yavusa (tribe) of Vanuakula. Both the mother and the father of Ratu Selema Koyanasiko Navoti, the current holder of Na Ratu are from the tribe of Vanuakula making him the last of the true Kai Vanuakula.

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