Dakuwaqa

thumb|Wooden figure of Dakuwaqa from the Solomon Islands, on display at the [[Louvre gallery]] In Fijian mythology, Dakuwaqa (Dakuwanga) is a shark deity and often appears as a fierce sea monster, guarding the islands. He was greatly respected by fishermen because he protected them from any danger at sea and its denizens.

==Background== In one creation myth, the god was planning inland to conquer Kadavu Island through the river when the goddess Rokobakaniceva challenged him in the form of an octopus. After a great battle, the octopus won by pulling out his teeth with her eight arms which enabled her to hold off the massive attack of Dakuwaqa, forcing Dakuwaqa to promise to never attack Kadavu again. That is how Dakuwaqa became the god and protector of Kadavu.