Roko
| Nobility of Fiji |
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Titles |
Roko is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank specifically from the Lau Islands. Its equivalent from the Kubuna Confederacy is the Bauan form of Ratu and Ro from parts of the Burebasaga Confederacy. This title was widely used amongst members of the chiefly Vuanirewa clan up to the mid 19th century. Increasing intercourse amongst the chiefly households of Lakeba and Bau, thereafter, saw the increasing use of Ratu and Adi by members of the Vuanirewa dynasty, for instance, the current heir to the Tui Nayau title, Finau Mara uses the Baun title Ratu instead of Roko as do most his siblings. The exception however is his younger brother Tevita Uluilakeba who uses the title Roko, often shortened to Roko Ului.
The title Roko is not gender specific as it would also be used equally to denote Vuanirewa women of rank.
Reference
- Lau Islands, Fiji, By Arthur Maurice Hocart, Published 1929, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Ethnology, 241 pages, Original from the University of Michigan, no.62 1929, Digitized Feb 23, 2007. Page 150 has details on titles like Ratu and Roko and their use
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