Lakena

Lake na is an islet of Nanumea atoll, Tuvalu.[1][2] Nanumean traditions describe Lakena as being formed when sand spilled from the baskets of two women, Pai and Vau, when they were forced off Nanumea by Tefolaha, the Tongan warrior who became the ancestor of the people of Nanumea.[3]: 49 

The pulaka pits are located on Lake na as the Nanumeans want the main island of Nanumea to remain mosquito free. Pul aka is grown in large pits of composted soil below the water table.[3]: 55–56  During World War II the people of Nanumea moved to Lakena so that the American forces could build an airfield on Nanumea.[4]

  1. ^ "Map of Nanumea". Tuvaluislands.com. 2010.
  2. ^ British Admiralty Nautical Chart 766 Ellice Islands (1893 ed.). United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). 21 March 1872.
  3. ^ a b Taulu Isako (1983). "Chapter 7 – Nanumea". In Laracy, Hugh (ed.). Tuvalu: A History. Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific and Government of Tuvalu.
  4. ^ Melei Telavi (1983). "Chapter 18 - War". In Laracy, Hugh (ed.). Tuvalu: A History. Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific and Government of Tuvalu. pp. 142–143.