Sawa (Fonu, I'a Sa)
The fonu, the giant sea turtle of Samoan tradition, is a sacred guardian called I'a sa ('sacred fish'), believed to save lost fishermen by carrying them to shore. In the celebrated Turtle and Shark legend of Vaitogi, a neglected brother and sister became turtle and shark, appearing when villagers sing their summoning song. Turtle flesh was reserved for high chiefs, and harming turtles was tapu.