Navala, Traditional village in Ba Province, Fiji.
Navala is a traditional village in Ba Province featuring more than 200 thatched dwellings arranged in organized rows across mountainous terrain. The homes display classical Fijian building methods with wooden frames and thatched roofs set among green hills.
The settlement was established in the late 1800s and retained traditional construction methods while neighboring villages adopted modern building techniques. This choice to maintain historical building practices made it an example of cultural continuity in the region.
The village maintains a welcoming ritual where guests present kava root to the chief, honoring customs that shape daily interactions among residents. This practice remains central to how the community receives visitors and reinforces social bonds.
Reaching the village requires traveling through winding mountain roads and crossing rivers, so hiring a local guide is recommended. Visiting outside the rainy season makes the journey easier since the paths remain drier and more accessible.
Each house follows identical architectural dimensions, a feature reflecting community principles of equality among all residents. This design approach stands apart from modern settlements and reveals a deeply rooted understanding of fairness in how people live.
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