The vanua is the holistic system of lands associated with founding ancestors through which one’s relationship with the natural and spiritual world are understood. While each locality has its own customs and recognizes its own unique kalou, there is one deity whose influence is recognized across Fiji: Degei, who is the personification of the abstract idea of eternal existence.

Lesser deities, represented by trees, plants, animals, insects, fish, and birds, are associated with vanua places of origin. Many of these deities and rites are described in Rev. Epeli Rokowaqa’s written account of Fijian history, Viti Makawa: na kedrai Tukutuku nai Taukei kei Viti, and the bure kalou (pictured) is the place of worship in which rituals are performed.