Bati (Fiji)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bati (pronounced [mˈbatʃi]) are the traditional warriors of the Fiji Islands the word itself loosely translated means soldier, bodyguard in Fijian.[1] it is derived from the word meaning teeth or edge and In old Fiji two types of subjection were recognized called Qali and Bati,[2][3] The Qali was a province or town subject to a Chief town and Bati denotes those which are not directly subject but less respected than the Qali,[2][3] the Bati bordered an area subject to the Chief and provided him with a service,[3] and from here derives the terms Mataqali and Bati.
Bati is now understood in Fijian Culture as the term for the island's traditional warrior class or caste.[4][5] The Bati are traditionally among the strongest Fijians.[citation needed]
Each Fijian village has an intricate traditional infrastructure and a Chieftain will have a Bati Clan traditionally aligned with him.
