Fiji Culture – A Brief History of Fiji

It’s hard to believe that a place as tranquil and quiet as Fiji has such an exciting history. But the truth is that Fiji’s history has enough drama in it to interest even the most reluctant student. It’s filled with intrigue, conflict, oppression, and triumph. Fiji culture slowly adapted to its surroundings until it became a unique, distinct culture of its own. And, along the way, other people came to the island and affected its culture, which helped to shape the people of Fiji into the warm, vibrant, and hospitable people that make Fiji such a wonderful place to visit today.

Archaeologists estimate that Melanesian people first arrived in Fiji around 3,500 years ago, based on shards of pottery and other artifacts that have been found around the island. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes are a veritable treasure trove of ancient Melanesian artifacts. The people who are considered ethnic Fijians are descended from these ancient Melanesians and have largely retained the same appearance as their forefathers, making it difficult for foreigners to distinguish between Fijians and other Pacific Islanders of Melanesian heritage. A small minority of ethnic Fijians also have Polynesian blood as well. There is a woman living in the town of Levuka on the island of Ovalau. Her name is Bubu Kara, and she is directly descended from Silinatoba Saurara, the second Fijian man ever to arrive in Fiji. She can recite the tale of the Melanesians’ arrival to you.

Fiji culture received a jolt when its first European visitor, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, arrived in 1643. Europeans didn’t begin settling in Fiji until the late eighteenth century, but when they did, the British brought Indian laborers with them, establishing the existence of an Indo-Fijian ethnicity on the islands. In 1874, Fiji was subjected to British rule when the Deed of Cession was signed by Ratu (“ratu” is a title meaning “chief”) Seru Epenisa Cakobau.

British colonial rule lasted in Fiji until 1970. But, by that time, Fiji culture had already been irrevocably affected by the Western world. As a result, Fiji has become a popular tourist destination. Some argue that this has been good for the island nation, keeping it up to date with modern civilization. Others argue that it hasn’t been worth the cost of Fiji’s true identity as a unique culture in the South Pacific. In any case, most people agree that, despite the conflicts of the people living there, the islands of Fiji are a beautiful and interesting place to visit, rich in history and culture.