Tavula, Vagua in Solomon Islands

The Tavula, Vagua have only been reported in Solomon Islands
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Vagua Tavula are an indigenous Melanesian people living on Choiseul Island in the Solomon Islands, speaking the Vaghua language, part of the Austronesian family. They belong to the Solomons cultural cluster and have long lived in small coastal and inland communities shaped by clan ties and subsistence living.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is village-based, with gardening, fishing, and small-scale trade sustaining families. Root crops like cassava and sweet potato are staples, along with fish. Extended families share responsibilities, and communal living is common. Celebrations often center on church events and traditional gatherings, reflecting both local customs and outside influence. Rural isolation limits access to services.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most identify as Christian, often within Roman Catholic or other church traditions, but elements of traditional beliefs remain, including respect for ancestral spirits. Biblical resources in their language are very limited, and teaching is often oral.


What Are Their Needs?

Greater access to Scripture in their heart language would deepen understanding of the gospel. Stronger discipleship and trained local leaders would help move from nominal Christianity to active faith. Improved infrastructure, education, and clean water access would strengthen daily life and open doors for ministry.


Prayer Items

Pray for clear gospel teaching and understanding hearts.
Pray for spiritual growth among believers and the raising up of local leaders and mission force.
Pray for improved access to education, healthcare, and clean water.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism materials, and discipleship resources in the Vaghua language.


Scripture Prayers for the Tavula, Vagua in Solomon Islands.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Tavula
People Name in Country Tavula, Vagua
Alternate Names Vagua
Population this Country 4,000
Population all Countries 4,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 15300
ROP3 Code 109897
Country Solomon Islands
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Choiseul province: Choiseul island, Tavula.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Solomon Islands
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Choiseul province: Choiseul island, Tavula..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
87.00 %
Ethnic Religions
13.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Vaghua (4,000 speakers)
Language Code tva   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Vaghua (4,000 speakers)
Language Code tva   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Vaghua

Primary Language:  Vaghua

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Photo Source David Kinsella, Ireland 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.