Fiji is believed to have been first settled about three and a half thousand years ago. The original inhabitants now called "Lapita people", are named after a distinctive type of fine pottery they produced, remnants of which have been found in almost all Pacific islands. Linguistic evidence suggests they may have come from northern or central Vanuatu, or possibly the eastern Solomons. Fiji, it seems experienced at least two periods of culture change in prehistoric times.

This could have been due to the arrival of new immigrants, presumably from the west. Historians have noted the sudden appearance of a certain pottery style in Fiji that coincides with its disappearance in southern Vanuatu around the time of a massive 12th century volcanic eruption. It comes as no great surprise then that Fijian culture is not easily summed up as a whole but is rather a sum of parts. This was further compounded by the fact that prior to colonization, Fiji was never a political unity. However, Fiji does have certain identifying traits that distinguish it from its neighbors, and this is what defines Fijian culture.

Meke (Dance)

‘Meke’ is a traditional dance performance that often enacts local stories and legends. Usually performed in groups, the arrangement of its members and every subtle movement has significance. In the past, Fijian meke were accompanied by their own brand of tribal music – chanting, clapping, thumping and stamping of bamboo stick as well as the beating of lali – slit drums and dancing. Meke were held primarily for entertainment purposes, such as welcoming visitors and also on important religious and social occasions, births, deaths, marriages, and the exchange of property between different villages.

Meke was performed by men, women and children - with men performing club and spear dances while the women performed fan dances.

Yaqona, Kava

Yaqona, also known as kava, is an infusion prepared from the root of Piper methysticum, a type of pepper plant. It holds a special place in Fijian culture, previously used ceremonially by chiefs and priests only during historical times.

However today, yaqona is more accessible and is a popular recreational drink among the different races in Fiji. Yaqona also plays a central role in welcome ceremonies at villages.

The drink is usually prepared in a tanoa, a traditional wooden bowl with legs. The dried, powdered root is wrapped in a piece of cloth and mixed with water and the result resembles muddy water. Yaqona is offered in a bilo (half a coconut shell). The custom is to clap once, accept the bilo and say bula, before drinking it all in one go and clapping three times when finished. The drink is shared until the tanoa is empty.

Masi, Tapa

Masi, also known as tapa, is raw cloth made from the bark of paper mulberry trees. It usually features black and brown stencilled motifs. These motifs had symbolic meaning when masi played an important role in Fijian culture in historical times. It is now used for special occasions such as the installation of a high chief or traditional weddings. In recent times, the production of masi has become commercialized and is mainly targeted towards the tourism industry. It is also no longer uncommon tofind conventional fabrics featuring traditional masi motifs.

Firewalking

Fijian firewalking is unique to the island of Beqa in the Southern Islands. While this is the only place you will see it as a genuine ceremony, firewalking is now a popular attraction at a number of resorts around Viti Levu. The ceremony requires performers to observe strict traditional protocol before they are able walk on the hot stones. The Arts Village at Pacific Harbour has several firewalking performances each week.

Tabua

Featured on the Fijian 20-cent coin, thetabua, or whale’s tooth is often considered as the most symbolic icon of traditional Fiji. These highly-prized items are presented as a sevusevu (gift) from family to family, normally through chiefs, as a tokenof friendship and peace.Tabua play an important rolein traditionalweddings, asking forfavors and settling arguments.

Weaving Craft

Most girls in villages learn to weave as traditionally it was the hereditary role of the women of particular tribes. It is quite common to find woven pandanus-leaf mats in Fijian homes, used as floor coverings, dining mats and as sleeping mats.They are also presented during weddings, baptisms, funerals and to chiefs.