Fiji's Ancient Seafarers Dr. Patrick D. Nunn - Earthwatch Institute

Cultural Environment
Most of the Rove Peninsula is freehold land, and some is owned by the handful of Indo-Fijian farmers who work
parts of it. The area around Vusama Village is native land (as is 85% of all land in Fiji), owned by the resident
Fijian families of Vusama who also claim traditional title to the entire peninsula. The Indo-Fijians and the Fijians
in this area get along very well, and the research team always makes sure to acknowledge both the legal and the
traditional claims to areas where research is being conducted.
In general, the people of Fiji are polite, helpful, conservative and religious. Everyone in the area speaks English to
some extent, but many villagers are shy about their English speaking skills and are more comfortable speaking
with an individual rather than a group. The research team includes many English speakers who also speak Fijian
and Fiji Hindi fluently, so communication will not present a problem. All children learn English at school and
typically lack the adults’ inhibition in speaking it.
There are a number of village customs and protocols that should be observed, but at the same time the Fijian
people are generally tolerant and understand that foreigners are not always familiar with these; lapses are
tolerated good-naturedly as long as visitors show a willingness to learn and respect the local customs.
Please be aware that gender interactions in rural Fiji are different compared to those in most Western countries. In
particular, males and females have separate and well-defined roles and do not generally mix in social settings.
Volunteers will not be expected to adopt these behaviors, but should be aware that certain interactions may be
misinterpreted. Additionally, talking loudly, swearing, and standing up straight when people are sitting are all
frowned upon. While in the village (not at the research site), it is important that team members cover their legs
and shoulders, especially females. Hats should not be worn in villages, nor should anything be carried on the
shoulder when it could be carried nearer the ground.
The village also has specific protocols regarding houses. For example, there are commonly three doors and only
one of these should be used, at least at first. While there will often be sofas and soft chairs, most people sit on
mats on the floor. You should be able to sit comfortably on the floor for extended periods of time while
socializing and during meal times, either with your legs crossed or tucked behind you. You may wish to bring a
soft cushion to sit on. Even if your hosts insist that you use a chair, please follow their lead and sit on the floor in
order to avoid mistakenly setting up a social hierarchy. Shoes are never worn inside houses and must be left by
the door.
Sundays are rest days, and volunteers are advised to bring one nicer set of clothing in order to attend morning
church. You are encouraged but not required to attend church services, which serve as community get-togethers
in rural Fiji.
Please note that alcohol cannot be consumed anywhere on the Rove Peninsula, and you should be prepared to
go 15 days without it. Any members of the research team (Earthwatch volunteers or others) found consuming
alcohol during the expedition will be dismissed at once. However, you will be encouraged to drink kava (or
yaqona), the traditional beverage of Fiji. Kava is made from the pounded roots of a locally grown pepper plant. It
is non-alcoholic, but is a mild soporific and relaxant that is gaining popularity worldwide as a natural stress
reducer. You might experience a slightly numb or tingling tongue from drinking kava, which is also referred to as
“grog” by some locals. There are no restrictions on smoking tobacco, though smokers should be prepared to share
their cigarettes!
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