Cicia

Cicia is a compact island in Fiji's northern Lau group, built from volcanic rock and raised coral. Its 34.6 square kilometres support five villages (Lomati, Mabula, Naceva, Natokalau and Tarakua) along shores and paths separated by groves and garden land. A reef and exposed coast make access from the sea dependent on weather.

Tarakua is the chiefly village, and its chief holds paramount status on the island. Cicia belonged to northern Lau, whose islands looked toward Cakaudrove within Fiji and toward Tonga across the eastern sea. Chiefly alliances, tribute and canoe travel linked villages to larger networks before European missions and trade became prominent in Lau.

Coconut groves and copra formed the main export economy, while gardens, fishing and timber supported households. Women wove mats and barkcloth, and hardwoods from Lau were valued for building large sailing canoes. These vessels carried people, food and prestige goods between islands and connected Cicia to Tonga even when authority remained local. The island's low shores, raised coral and volcanic soils forced households to combine maritime skill with careful cultivation of small holdings.