Virivirikana was said to be a medium of communication with "pota", the spirits, especially utilized in the making of peace or war.
Not necessarily the property of a chief, the head-hunter warriors (varane) of Choiseul Province usually made virivirikana, which is a traditional asset still practiced today.Peter Sisiolo of Sasamunga village in Choiseul Province explained that the virivirikana is made out of mud.
The shell ring in the middle of the virivirikana is a "sauru", a charm in itself, and above it are the two "hokata" armrings.
Mr. Sisiolo said that in their traditional belief, the virivirikana is a need because "only the pota can answer your need or prayers".
A virivirikana would be taken up the hills once completed, where it is placed in a special dug up pit "for the next three days in which time the spirit will go into it".
After three days, the owner will then transfer the virivirikana to its house called the "pandepota", which means the house of the spirits.
The only ones allowed to carry the virivirikana to the pandepota is the owner or his wife.
"When it is in the pandepota, anyone who has a need can ask for help and signs will also be shown if the pota has answered your need or not," Mr. Sisiolo said.
In the ancient days, warriors intending to go out to fight must also seek permission from the virivirikana.
"If the spirits give permission, then the people can go but if the spirit doesn't give permission, a sign will also be shown and people who disobeyed the sign will be killed or become sick."
Solomon Times understand that people in Sasamunga still practice the virivirikana, as informed by Mr. Sisiolo who revealed, "I have a virivirikana which I use to help a lot of people."