Nasaqalau
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Nasaqalau is one of eight villages on the island of Lakeba, in Fiji's Lau archipelago.
One clan in Nasaqalau, whose ancestors came from the village of Wainikeli on the island of Taveuni, is famous for its ability to call sharks from the sea. An annual ceremony, performed by a bete (Fijian traditional priest) is every October or November. For several days, offerings of kava are made, and on the actual day, a caller wades neck-high in the water and chants. Within 30 minutes, a white shark leads a school of about 50 sharks, which encircle the caller, who then leads them out to shallow waters to be slaughtered, except for the white shark which is allowed to go free.
Nasaqalau is also known for several caves in the vicinity. Oso Nabukete, also known as the Pregnant Women's Cave, is the most famous of these. According to legend, a woman attempting to hide her pregnancy will not be able to escape through the mouth of the cave. It is adjoined by Qara Bulu, once used as a prison in times of tribal war. A third cave, Koro ni Vono, was once used as a place of banishment for tuberculosis patients, who were left there to die.