January 15, 2024 | Allison Robertson

Fiji: Cannibal Isle


Fiji’s Dark Past

Today, Fiji is a popular tourist hot-spot, known for its stunning tropical beauty and crystal-clear waters. It remains a favorite destination among honey-mooners and families looking for a friendly cultural experience.

But Fiji has a dark past that does not exactly remain a topic of pride. Even so, the Fijian culture is open about their previous way of life and recognize it as an important part of their history.

After all, the tropical archipelago earned a nickname they may never shake: Cannibal Isle.

This article dives deep into Fiji's dark past surrounding Cannibalism, including why they practiced it, how they did it, and who was on the menu. 

Fiji islands from above - 2013Eugene Kaspersky, Flickr

Location

Before we jump into the juicy details, let’s explore a bit more about Fiji in the twentieth century.

The Republic of Fiji is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of an archipelago of more than 330 islands—of which about 110 are permanently inhabited—and more than 500 islets.

Fiji islands from above - 2013Eugene Kaspersky, Flickr

Culture

Fiji is known for its linguistic diversity. While English is the official language, Fijian and Hindi are also widely spoken, reflecting the country's colonial history and significant Indo-Fijian population.

Fijian society is organized into traditional villages, each governed by a chief (known as a "Turaga ni Koro"). Visitors are often welcomed with a traditional kava ceremony. This includes a traditional drink made from the root of the kava plant. Participants sit in a circle and engage in storytelling and cultural performances.

Meke is a traditional Fijian dance and song performance that showcases the country's cultural heritage. It combines intricate dance movements, singing, and storytelling through rhythmic and expressive performances.

Fijian women making and selling crafts for tourists - 2023Photos BrianScantlebury, Shutterstock

Economy

Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific—mainly from its forest, mineral, and fish resources. Their main exports include: bottled water, cane sugar, fish, wood, gold, bread and manioc.

Sugar exports and a rapidly growing tourist industry are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji is highly dependent on tourism for revenue. In 2003, approximately 430,800 tourists visited the Fijian Islands, and that number has been growing since. 

View of people selling local produce at the grocery stores in Suva Market in Fiji - 2017ymgerman, Shutterstock

Tourism

Fiji has a significant amount of tourism. The most popular regions being Nadi, the Coral Coast, Denarau Island, and Mamanuca Islands.

It is known for its pristine waters, lush gardens, stunning waterfalls, and friendly culture. The islands remain a popular destination for romance as well as family adventure.

Generally speaking, Fiji is a mid-range priced vacation destination. It also has a variety of world-class five-star resorts and hotels.

In fact, CNN named Fiji's Laucala Island Resort as one of the fifteen world's most beautiful island hotels.

Living room,Hilltop Estate, Laucala Island Resort, Fiji - 2014Tony Guyton, Flickr

History

Now, let’s get to the dirty details about Fiji’s dark past.

Although Fiji extends a warm welcome to all visitors currently, it hasn’t always been this way.

Fiji has a history of Cannibalism, especially in the 19th century. Most indigenous Fijian tribes practiced cannibalism as part of their rituals and warfare traditions. Fijian Islander Holding Club - 1870Wikimedia Commons , Picryl

Cannibal Isle

Fiji earned the nickname "Cannibal Isle" due to its historical practice of cannibalism.

Cannibalism was a deeply ingrained cultural and religious practice among certain Fijian tribes for centuries. It wasn’t a casual or random occurrence—it was an important part of their rituals, and was often associated with warfare and the belief in consuming the spiritual essence of their enemies.

Mbure-kalou or temple, and scene of cannibalism. - 1860Alexandre de Bar, Wikimedia Commons

Cannibalism as a Consequence

Cannibalism in Fiji was mostly linked to inter-tribal conflict and warfare.

Rival chiefs and warriors were captured, slayed, and then eaten as a means of gaining power or revenge. Not only was this common, it was the goal.Council Of Chiefs Waikava - 1876Wikimedia Commons, Picryl

The Cannibalistic Practice

It’s believed that Fijian chiefs ate the flesh of their enemies as a means of power, control, revenge and as the ultimate insult. It was also thought that if you consumed your enemy, you would inherit their knowledge.

Cannibalism in Fiji was a horrific practice where, in most cases, victims were tortured and dismembered whilst still alive.

Cannibal forks, known as "i cula ni bokola," were used by some Fijian tribes to consume human flesh. This artifact is on display in Fiji's museums.Beating the death drum for a cannibal feast - FijiNYPL ,Picryl

European Encounters with Cannibalism

Fiji’s nickname, Cannibal Isle, gained notoriety when European explorers began to encounter the culture’s practice in the 18th and 19th centuries.

They documented their encounters with vivid descriptions and illustrations, which quickly contributed to Fiji’s cannibalistic reputation.

Illustration from the book Joseph Drayton, Wikimedia Commons

Christian Missionaries

Early Christian missionaries saw the practice as a barrier to the spread of Christianity, and so they did everything they could to try to convert Fijians and put an end to cannibalism.

One of the most well-known cases of cannibalism in Fiji involved the Reverend Thomas Baker, a missionary. Baker, along with a Fijian companion, was slain and consumed by the people of Navatusila in 1867.

His leather boots, which were reportedly the only remains found, are displayed at Fiji's National Museum as a grim reminder of this incident.

Men wearing traditional clothing, lined up for the national dance - 1906Library of Congress, Picryl

Uninvited Visitors

Fijian tribes did not welcome uninvited visitors—of any kind. This included anyone who accidentally ended up in Fijian territory. Sailors and civilians paid the ultimate price for getting too close, and ended up on the menu.

One of the earliest recorded incidents of cannibalism involving European sailors occurred in 1814. The sailors met an unfortunate fate when their ship, "Providence” experienced a shipwreck off the shores of Fiji.

Some of the sailors lost their lives and were consumed by local tribes. However, some sailors survived and escaped, and later documented their experience.Fijian mountain warrior, Kai Colo. Carte de visit photograph, 1870'sF.H. Dufty, Levuka, Wikimedia Commons

The Massacre at Somosomo

Another notable incident that ended in disaster is known as “The Massacre at Somosomo” that took place in 1849, when a ship simply got too close to the islands.

The crew of the British ship "Charles Edward" was attacked and slain by the people of Somosomo village on Taveuni Island. The bodies of the crew were consumed by the tribe.

Steamship Charles Edward in a heavy sea. - 1908State Library of Queensland ,Picryl

Shipwreck Sacrifice

Any and all shipwrecks that occurred within Fijian territory met tragic fates.

In 1834, the crew of the British trading ship "Ra Mutiny" was shipwrecked on Fiji's coast. Some of the survivors were captured and eventually slain and eaten by local tribes. Other survivors escaped and documented the incident.The Library of Congress, Picryl

Ceremonial Celebrations

Captives were typically taken back to the victorious tribe's village, where they would be ritually slain as part of a series of ceremonies.

The specific rituals surrounding cannibalism varied between tribes, but they often involved chanting, dancing, and other symbolic acts.

Fiji Contingent To Victory Parade Has Farewell Party - 1946Imperial War Museums, Picryl

Ceremonial Preparation

The practice of cannibalism was celebrated throughout the entire process.

Once the victim had passed, the body was prepared for consumption. This process would include dismemberment, removal of certain organs, and cooking over a large fire.

During this process, tribal rituals continued, including chanting and dancing.

Fiji Contingent To Victory Parade Has Farewell Party - 1946Imperial War Museums, Picryl

Cooking & Consumption

Cannibalism involved cooking and eating various parts of the victim's body. Different parts were assigned different levels of significance, with some believed to provide strength or spiritual power to those who ate it.

Cooking methods included roasting, boiling, or baking, depending on the tribe's traditions.

Fijian cannibals in PT Barnum's Circus - 1850Wikimeida Commons, Picryl

Chief Ratu Udre Udre: The Most Prolific Cannibal

The most prolific cannibal – from both Fiji and the rest of the world – was Ratu Udre Udre, a chief who lived near Rakiraki in northern Viti Levu during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

He holds the chilling Guinness World Record of Most Prolific Cannibal, and is believed to have eaten up to 999 people, though the exact number is unknown.

This is known because he kept a stone for every person he consumed, and there are more than 800 stones still decorating his grave site today. Many stones have been misplaced or are missing, so the exact number remains a mystery. Fujian chief - portraitEdward Reeves, Picryl

The Ending of Cannibalism in Fiji

European missionaries were successful in their attempt to convert Fijians to Christianity. They worked tirelessly to convert Fijians to Christianity and eradicate practices like cannibalism.

In 1874, Fiji became a British colony when it was ceded to the British Empire. British colonial authorities implemented policies and laws that aimed to suppress and ultimately eliminate cannibalism.

This change also significantly reduced tribal warfare—which was the main reason for cannibalism in the first place. Since then, cannibalistic acts decreased.

With the spread of Christianity, Cannibalism was increasingly seen as a barbaric and outdated practice, incompatible with the values of the new Fijian society.

Seizure of blackbirder Daphne - 1869Samuel Calvert & Oswald Rose Campbell, Wikimedia Commons

Cannibalism Today

The loss (and consumption) of missionary Reverend Baker in 1867 left a lasting impression on Fijian society, which eventually turned to regret as Fijian culture evolved.

In 2003, Fijians from the village where Reverend Baker lost his life formally apologized and asked for forgiveness from his ancestors. At this time, locals believed they had been cursed since the incident, and plagued with misfortune as a result of their ancestors’ actions.

Old chiefs of Fiji (once cannibals) - 1910NYPL, Picryl

Cannibalism as a History Lesson

Fiji doesn’t hide from its past, they acknowledge it as an important part of their history.

Today, you can purchase cannibal dolls made from coconut shells or wooden cannibal forks from local souvenir shops in Fiji.

You can also take a tour of the Naiheve Cave—also known as the Cannibal Cave—where the last known cannibal tribe lived.

A typical Fiji village - 1913NYPL, Picryl

Final Thoughts

It's important to note that the end of cannibalism in Fiji was a gradual process and occurred over several decades during the 19th century.

While there may have been isolated incidents or remnants of the practice in some remote areas, by the late 19th century, cannibalism was no longer a significant or widespread feature of Fijian culture.

Fiji has since become a peaceful and diverse nation, embracing a variety of cultures and traditions.

Botanical gardens, Suva, Fiji - 1920NYPL, Picryl


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