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You are here: Home / Tradition and Culture / The formation of Vatulele Island and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes

The formation of Vatulele Island and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes

July 27, 2012

One of the best known legends on the Coral Coast is  about the formation of Vatulele Island and the Sigatoka Sand dunes.

The legend is that two spirit gods , Tamaku and Vodovata from the island of Kadavu came to Votua, famous for its rich clay soil and peaceful people.

Rock carvings by Felipe Rogoruwai
Rock carvings by Felipe Rogoruwai

Tamaku bought with him a basket, and upon leaving Votua, filled the basket with clay and quickly took flight ahead of Vodovata.

Vodovata ordered him to bring back the clay he had stolen, Tamaku, fearing the wrath of the more powerful god, dropped his basket into the ocean.

The clay fell into the sea and formed what is now Vatulele island.

Sulking, Tamaku then flew onto land at kulukulu and started thowing sandstone rocks towards Vodovata, which fell all along the coral coast, this very rock is believed to be one of them.

Tamaku threw a gigantic rock, that would have caused grave damage to the coastal lands, and Vodovata, with his mighty powers stopped the rock mid-air, sent it back and crumbled it over Kulukulu coastline forming the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

Rock carvings by Felipe Rogoruwai can be seen at Outrigger On The Lagoon, and limited editions artwork by Felipe can be purchased from The Art Cart.

Vatulele Island is re-known for its masi making and Tapa Printing

Masi/Tapa used throughout Coral Coast is from Vatulele Island- situated about 25 Km off the Coral Coast.

Rock carvings by Felipe Rogoruwai
Rock carvings by Felipe Rogoruwai
Rock carvings by Felipe Rogoruwai
Rock carvings by Felipe Rogoruwai

Rock carving is based on the local legend about the formation of Vatulele Island and the Sigatoka Sand dunes.

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