| Description |
This is a story about an indigenous Fijian musical instrument from the ancient past. This is the nose flute known in the indigenous language as dulali or bitu ceguvi.
This performing art has disappeared altogether from Fiji, save for a village in Tailevu province, one of the 14 provinces in Fiji. Tailevu is located on mainland eastern Vitilevu and the village we are visiting where this art form is kept alive is located at the norther part of the province. The village is called Nananu.
We are visiting a 73 year old man at the time of the shot (2011). Kaveni is the only person who has kept alive the art of playing the nose flute, an art that dates back in the mists of time to the days of its legendary ancestor Ramacake. Ramacake was Pan in the local mythology specializing in the pan flute. Its melodious strains was an irresistible charm on maidens who pined over it every morning.
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| Social and cultural significance |
The ancient Verata kingdom once spanned most of the northern Tailed province today. plus some islands namely Qoma, Naigani, Ovalau, Wakaya and Makogai. According to the legend, Ramacake's flute roused and lulled the Ratu lai Verata everyday. Without fail ramacake would play his flute every morning and the echoes lilted across the sea right to the Ratu mai Verata. |
| Transmission method |
Kaveni ekes out a simple living as an ordinary villager.
The art of playing the nose flute surprisingly never ever dawned on Kaven (Nose Flutist)i as a child, as we hear him explain how it all happened.
....“I fashioned a bamboo head rest, something I had observed my father did whenever he played. He played early in the morning from where he lay close to the hearth."...\
Throughout the whole of Fiji today, there is no one else except Kaveni Tamani who has preserved this art. He is self taught from observing his father playing the flute.
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| Community |
Nananu Village,
Namena District,
Tailevu Province,
Fiji. |
22.52 minutes