Nawaidamudamu: A Window into Fiji's Tribal Past

Nawaidamudamu, also known as the Laucala Beach Ring Ditch Fortification, is a significant historical site in Suva, Fiji, offering a glimpse into the island's tribal past. The name "Nawaidamudamu" translates to "red water" or "bloody water", a stark reminder of the site's role in tribal warfare. This 2-acre site features a twin ring ditch fortification, a testament to the complex engineering and tactical skills of Fiji's ancestors. Constructed between the mid-1500s and early 1600s, Nawaidamudamu was originally known as Naivoco and built by the people of Vutia, Rewa. The site gained its current name after a fierce battle in the mid-1700s, when the hill tribes of Kalabu invaded and slaughtered hundreds of Vutia warriors. The battle led to the expansion of Kalabu territory to the coastal areas of Laucala Beach. Today, Nawaidamudamu stands as the only well-preserved ring ditch fortification in the Greater Suva area and the last of its kind in the Suva-Nausori corridor. The site is maintained by the Laucala Beach Sustainability Society (LBSS) in partnership with the National Trust of Fiji, working to preserve and promote Fiji's indigenous heritage. Visitors can explore the site, observe the well-defined ditch and causeways, and learn about the history and significance of this ancient battleground. Nawaidamudamu offers a unique opportunity to connect with Fiji's past and understand the events that shaped the nation.