Subject
Fijians Books
Best books
Basil Thomson
The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom
"The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom" by Basil Thomson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text explores the transformative changes and the decline of traditional customs among the Fijians under the influence of Western civilization and missionary activities. It aims to detail this cultural shift, especially concerning the Fijians' customs, belief systems, and social organization. The opening of the work introduces the author's extensive experience living among the Fijians for over a decade, during which he assumed various roles including Stipendiary Magistrate and Commissioner of the Native Lands Court. It discusses the struggle between traditional customs and the encroaching modern influences, illustrating how the Fijians are neither entirely savage nor civilized, but rather exist in a state of cultural transition. Thomson highlights the ambiguous outcomes of missionary efforts, which have changed moral and religious beliefs without addressing practical issues such as health and agriculture, resulting in a population that has become progressively complacent and disconnected from their former customs.
Norman E. Gabel
A Racial Study of the Fijians
"A Racial Study of the Fijians" by Norman E. Gabel is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century. This anthropological work provides an in-depth physical survey of the native male population of Fiji, focusing on the characteristics of the Fijians through anthropometric methods. The book covers various aspects of their physical traits, examining differences among regional populations and offering comparative analysis with neighboring groups. The opening of this work sets a clear framework for examining the physical characteristics of the Fijian male population based on data collected during a seven-month stay in the islands. The introduction outlines the research objectives, which include describing the Fijians as a whole, comparing them with neighboring cultures, and analyzing regional differences. Gabel details his methodology for gathering anthropometric samples, explaining how he collected data from various districts across Fiji to build a comprehensive understanding of the population's physical attributes. The opening also hints at the book's extensive methodology and statistical analysis, promising a thorough exploration of the mixed racial background and diverse characteristics of the Fijian men.
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