Although the islands are politically part of Papua New Guinea, Takuu culture (like the language) more closely resembles that of Polynesia.
Social Organisation
There are five hereditary elders, called the matuua. Each of these men is a leader of a patriline or uru, which is the largest unit of knship on Takuu. (B. Moir, PhD thesis, 1989).
Avo. Also called the ariki. He is the religious and political leader. The house he lives in is called Fare Ata.
Kipu. Traditionally almost the equivalent of the ariki. He is in charge of the cemetry (the kava). The house he lives in is called Fare Mania.
Kikiva. Formerly in charge of tatooing and master of the passage between Takuu and Nukutoa islets. He lives in Fare Masani.
Putahu. Formerly the executioner. He and the males in his family are the only males allowed to touch the food pounder (Ttuki). His house is called Fare Naaoro
Tenehu. Religious assistant to the ariki. He looks after Fare Ania.
The five elders are always named in this order.
Before death an elder designates a successor, usually his oldest son, though elders have often appointed a younger brother instead.
Each elder has an assistant who acts for him, chants, and officiates at food distributions.
A member of a group, say Fare Ata would acknowledge his patriline affiliation by saying '"I wear the kaisuru [ritual ornaments] of Fare Ata,",etc.'(B. Moir, 1989).
Every person is a member by birth, of their father's patriline, and on death is buried in the kaisuru of his or her patriline.
Religion
Tradionally Takuu islanders worship a host of deities, and deceased relatives. Formal prayers
(taku, ttalo) are said by the elders on important occasions, and for curing certain sicknesses.
Most or all adult males know family formulas (Kavai) addressed to deceased relatives
that are said when deep sea fishing for ravena (Castor oil fish).
Marriage
Dancing
Dancing is an important part of life on Takuu. (More later)
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