Arnoldz

MY CULTURE

Fiji was first settled about 3,500 years ago by Melanesian and Polynesian settlers.

Includes 844 islands and islets of which approximately 106 are inhabited.

Fiji is a group of volcanic islands in the South pacific , lying about 4,450 km (2,775 mi) southwest of Honolulu and 1,770 km (1,100 mi) north of

New Zealand. More than half of Fiji's population lives on the island coasts, either in

Suva or in smaller urban centres. The interior is sparsely populated because of its rough terrain.

Other islands and island groups, which cover just 12.5 % of the land area and house some 16 % of the population

Dance in Fiji is symbolic of the salad bowl of cultures that exist on the islands.

The most popular traditional Fijian dance is the Meke. Poi is another form of dance in Fiji that is often

performed at fire-walking shows (a practice in Fiji with historic significance that is now commonly performed to

entertain tourists). The Indo-Fijians have made their own indelible mark on

the Fijian dance scene. Mekes are performed at special functions and at

cultural nights held by major resorts.

DANCE

Though geographically Melanesian, the music of Fiji is more Polynesian in character

Fijian folk styles are distinct in their fusion of Polynesian and Melanesian traditions.

Indian music draws heavily from rural North Indian and some of the Southern states in India In the 1980s, Fijian performers like Laisa Vulakoro and Lagani Rabukawaqa became pan-

Pacific stars.

MUSIC

ART

Fiji Art is the complete presentation of the Fiji Culture to the visitors or the tourist either in a form of smart souvenir or often in the shape of beautifully crafted

wooden handicrafts. Art and Craft of Fiji is various and really some good

pieces are crafted out and are used locally or as presentations in the Fijian ceremonies.

Weaving is an important part of Fiji Art and beautiful variety of mats, everyday baskets, hats etc. are the

outcome from these Pandanus and Coconuts. The Fiji Art is generally a craft ware of either wood or it

is in the weave form as mostly the Pacific Island Art favors either any one of the two or simply a balance

between the two products.