Metkayina Village (Marui)

Awa’atlu is the name of the main village inhabited by the reef dwelling Metkayina clan. It is marked by beautifully and artfully woven structures (called marui) clustered among the sheltering roots of giant mangrove-like trees. Some of the Metkayina villages have existed for thousands of years. Structures are constantly renewed but seldom replaced. The village has small docks for Metkayina canoes, a centralized ilu pen and communal areas for gathering, eating and the telling of tales and singing of songs.