The Sawau Project
The Sawau Project was initiated in 2004 on the island of Beqa, Fiji, by teachers at the Sawau District School to preserve the cultural heritage of the Sawau community. At its core is the firewalking ceremony (vilavilairevo), which had long been commercialized and appropriated by outsiders. The project aims to return this knowledge to the local community, prevent misunderstandings, and promote cultural self-determination. Anthropologist and former lawyer Guido Carlo Pigliasco joined the project during his fieldwork and provided significant support. In close collaboration with the Tui Sawau (the paramount chief) and the local people, an interactive multimedia documentation was developed that brings together stories, memories, and important sites. The collaboration is participatory and guided by the needs of the community—not a traditional documentary, but an open platform to strengthen and reflect on their intangible cultural heritage.”