Fascinating Fiji

Fiji is one of the few South Seas groups where pottery is made. Top shows a Fijian water bearer, face blackened and oiled for a cere monial, with his pottery vessel.

Bottom picture is a sample of a wide dish produced from clay.

After it has been fired it is rubbed, while still hot, with a gum called makadre. Centre picture is not pottery—it shows an unusually de signed twin-toed tabili—the wooden vessel used by Fijians to pound yaqona root (kava) to pulp.

Photos: Rob Wrighl