Vanualevu Village

As is a custom in Fiji, you have to be invited to be able to enter a village. We were invited to visit the Vanualevu Village by Buki, a wood worker, with the Deckers. It is a village located out beyond the airport, out of Nausori--about 45 minutes from Suva.

What a treat this was! Buki has four little children that live with him in Suva, while they attend school; their young mother passed away this year from cancer and is buried in the village (the bottom lower corner picture is her grave). We walked down a long walk into this well-kept village. He took us there mainly to show us where and how he makes his wooden bowls, etc. We spent about two hours with him and his Uncle (the Chief of the Village).

His workshop was in his "garage" (under the Uncle's home). We sat on chairs and watched him create a small bowl from a small block of wood, using only the tools you will see in these pictures. His chisel/ hammer cuts are so accurate!












We were interrupted once when the kids of the village brought us each a coconut full of coconut water--great refreshment on a warm day!





Then, he also started a larger bowl--amazing. his accuracy! We didn't stay for the final large bowl product; but, we have seen some that he has completed.









We continued our stay by visiting the Uncle's home and the other parts of the village--a lovely experience!