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Village · Matamanoa, Nadroga e Navosa
Vila de Yanuya (Yanuya Village)
Fijian village on an island neighboring Matamanoa and Tokoriki, where women make handmade pottery with traditional technique and from where the people who guard Monuriki come.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vila de Yanuya (Yanuya Village)
Yanuya is an island in the northern Mamanuca, between Tokoriki, Matamanoa and Monuriki, with a Fijian village on the beach. The village is known for the pottery made by the women, one of the few pottery traditions that remain alive in the Fiji islands, and for the traditional guard of Monuriki, the island from the film Cast Away.
The pieces are hand-shaped, without a wheel, using clay from the island and a wooden paddle that forms the walls, and then fired in open-air bonfires. Forms include cooking pots, serving dishes and decorative items, and many have designs impressed in the clay before firing.
The visit is guided and begins with the sevusevu, the ceremony of offering kava to the village chief. Afterwards, the women usually demonstrate their work and sell pieces, and visitors walk through the village and the church.
In the village, clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected, no hats or sunglasses, and photos only with permission. Visits are often arranged together with the trip to Monuriki.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays, when the potters are usually working. Sunday is church day and rest, with no visits.
How to get there
Only by boat, from Matamanoa, Tokoriki, Mana and other nearby islands, with a guide. Many trips to Monuriki stop at Yanuya.
Tip
Bring cash to buy the pieces and pack the pottery well for the trip. Wear a sarong over your beachwear.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vila de Yanuya (Yanuya Village)
Is Yanuya pottery made by hand?
Yes. The women shape the clay by hand, without a wheel, and fire the pieces in open-air bonfires.
Do you need a guide to visit Yanuya?
Yes. The visit is arranged with the village and opens with the sevusevu, the offering of kava.
Can you buy the pieces?
Yes, directly from the potters, usually for cash.