Fiji Arts & Crafts and Cultural Traditions
Fiji is rich in culture and traditions with a magnificent variety of multi-ethnic songs, dances, arts and craft dating back thousands of years.
You can buy souvenirs like Fijian war clubs and cannibal forks, miniature Tanoas (Kava drinking bowls) which are great to use as a savoury or nut dish. The larger ones make excellent fruit or salad bowls. Fijians also make intricate shell jewellery, masks, wood carvings and the famous Tapa Cloth made from the pounded bark of the paper mulberry tree. The Tapa Cloth is great as a decorative wall-hanging or you can buy smaller ones to use as a table mat, coaster or use as a doily. Most of these souvenirs and artefacts are made locally by villagers to help support their families.
Remember to declare them to customs when you arrive back in Australia so you’ll have a smooth home-coming.
Fijian War dances originate from their tribal past and they are steeped in vibrant chants and wildly animated movements symbolising preparation for war or victory in battle. Traditionally known as the Meke, these spectacular song and dance routines portray a rich history of love and war. The deeply tanned and glistening bodies of the Fijian Warriors are truly a sight to see as they prance and dance with their fearsome spears and shields in wildly gyrating dance movements.
The women, on the other hand, sing haunting melodies as they perform their elegant dances which portray the raw richness of their communal culture. Thrown into this mix is a history of songs originating from the days of the white Missionaries who brought the Gospel to the Fijian islands. The acappella singing of the Fijians will resonate deep in your soul leaving you feeling that you have touched something of the divine. Add to this mix the wide and varied cultures of the Asian sub-continent, and Fiji will treat you to the most spectacular tribal songs, dances and arts that will hold you spellbound.
Many of these soulful songs are available on CD’s which you can buy from stores throughout the country.