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Na Vale Ni i Yaya Maroroi Located in the heart of Suva's Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum houses a remarkable collection of archeological material. |
Dating back to the first settlement 3500 years ago along with cultural material from Fijian various communities and historical references reflecting Fiji's past.
Prehistory gallery
It illustrates various aspects of traditional Vitian culture including maritime technology, the Vitian household, traditional religion, ways of dressing, music, games and warfare.
History gallery
It provides an insight into the influences on Vitian culture. Trading links with Tongan and Samoan societies, contacts with the West and the trade and religious beliefs from this new quarter have all influenced the Vitian culture substantially.
Objects on display include the rudder of the HMS Bounty from the wreck in the Pitcairn Islands, a copy of the Deed of Cession when Fiji became a colony of Great Britain, the medals of the great statesman Ratu Josefa Lalabalavu Vanaaliali Sukuna, and the figurehead of the SIRIA, a vessel that brought many labourers to Fiji but was wrecked on Nasilai reef with the loss of many lives.
Masi gallery is dedicated to barkcloth or masi that is made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. Such cloth was used in traditional Vitian culture for a variety of purposes, including mosquito nets, wall hanging in houses, a form of dress by men, and as a presentation item at special ceremonies.
The two main pottery-making areas for traditional potters in Fiji today are Sigatoka and Rewa. Every Thursday and Friday a skilled potter from Nasilai in Rewa demonstrates her pottery making skills at the Museum. She is joined by another skilled potter from Nakabuta in Sigatoka in the first week of every month.
The Video Theatre of the museum has videos on the history and culture of Fiji and its neighbours that are regularly screened here.
You can also enjoy a historical ride on a traditional Vitian 'drua', double-hulled canoe. The Museum offers this unique and charming experience for visitors. Bookings can be arranged through the Museum Education Department.
Open Monday through Friday, from 9:30am to 4:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Admission charges are around $FJD4 and children and students are allowed without any charges.
There is also a museum store that stocks museum publications, artifacts reproductions, special Museum logo merchandise available for purchase. A museum café serves snacks and meals.
For further details contact -
Fiji Museum
P.O.Box 2023
Government Buildings
Suva, Fiji Islands
T +679 315944, F +679 302 552
Email: fijimuseum@is.com.fj,
Web: www.fijimuseum.org.fj
