Moro Movement - Vision and Power

Vision and Power

In 1956 Moro and some men from Komuvaolu, Makaraku, Bokasughu and Nagho went to Korasaghulu reef to stop men from Wanderer bay and the Weather Coast from fishing for trocus shells, as the Moli peoples had claimed ownership of this reef. Upon his return Moro became very ill while at Lauvi Point, where he fell while chasing the Chacha (The Eagle). Moro fell into a deep coma and was even presumed dead. However he recovered consciousness after a few days although he did not fully recover for many months. Moro has also said that during this time he was somewhat mentally ill. After he had recovered, however, Moro had acquired the ability to know who had stolen anything, who performed sorcery, and who was guilty of possessing ‘Vele’ or ‘Piro’. It was at this time also that he began to recount the story of the origin of Guadalcanal. Moro has said that during his illness he had a visit:

“I saw a bird but it was a man. At first it was a bird, it came out of some swirling dust like that behind a truck on the roads of Honiara. The bird changed into a man who spoke and instructed. You must do the things I tell you. Everything in this land and sea belongs to you. You must ignore all those who scoff or tell you not to do it. The things you should start is an association (Kampani, pidgin English for company) to make money All the things that are yours should be used, ot allowed to stand unused or to be exploited by others. Your people own it and control it.”

After his recovery, Moro began telling of his vision and large numbers came to hear it. The stories and visions were written down by members of the movement. David Valusa is one of the main recorders and translators of the movement. He recorded Moro’s stories and they are kept at Makaruka, at the headquarters of the Moro Custom Company.

The most important document is the creation story of Guadalcanal, “The story of what our ancestor in the beginning of the island Isatabu.” About how Ironggali created the island of Isatabu (Guadalcanal). Ironggali is a spirit or god which lives in the air. When it came to the water it was called Isobotua – i.e. ‘sitting on water’ or ‘floating leg’. Isobotua created the island and the life upon it: first 2 dos Laula (m) and Lauili (f) and then 2 humans: Kaputua and his sister Lavegauna. This text goes on to give the establishment of the four main descent groups or tribes of Qaravu, Manukiki, Koinahao and Lasi.

Another document is the “Custom Company Makaruka and History of the Island Isatabu and its Paramount Chiefs.” This document claims Moro as the paramount Chief in the line of Tuimauri, giving him absolute right to the land of Guadalacanal (Isatabu) as granted by the creator and original ancestral chief Ironggali. The importance of economic transactions and boundaries (district borders) are given value and the document repudiates waste and the concept of Public Land. This was against the Protectorate Government which declared land not occupied by the people as waste and public land.