Tavengu

Tavengu, or Republic of Tavengu is a country in Northulia that is the smallest by population. Tavengu consists of two islands, five reef islands and nine atolls. The capital is Punaputi, holding accountable for more than 60% of the national population - an estimated 130 people live in it.

History[edit | edit source]

Prehistory[edit | edit source]

The origins of the people of Tavengu are addressed in the theories regarding the migration into the Pacific that began about 3000 years ago. During pre-European-contact times, there was frequent canoe voyaging between the nearer islands including Hamoa and Honga. Possible evidence of human-made fires in the Caves of Nanumanga suggests humans may have occupied the islands for thousands of years.

An important creation myth in the islands of Tuvalu is the story of te Pusi mo te Ali (the Eel and the Flounder), who are said to have created the islands of Tuvalu. Te Ali (the flounder) is believed to be the origin of the flat atolls of Tavengu and te Pusin (the eel) is the model for the coconut palms that are important in the lives of Tuvaluans. The stories of the ancestors of the Tavenguans vary from island to island. On Niutao, Punaputi and Maitupu, for instance, the founding ancestor is described as being from Hamoa, whereas on Nanumea, the founding ancestor is described as being from Honga.