The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom

Name: The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom
Author: Basil Thomson

By Basil Thomson

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About This Book

A close anthropological account describes a Pacific island society in transition as customary law yields to external influences and modern institutions. Drawing on a decade of first-hand experience and official inquiries, the author combines ethnographic description, treatment of marriage practices, mythology and ancestor cults, land tenure and legal change, and ritual life, with analysis of factors behind population decline. Chapters interweave traditional sagas and ceremonies with the practical effects of administrative, missionary and commercial contact, tracing how long-standing social norms are altered and what consequences follow for communal authority, land rights and cultural continuity.

About the Author

Basil Thomson

Basil Thomson was a British author and ethnographer known for his vivid accounts of life in the South Pacific. His works often explore the cultures and customs of island communities, reflecting his deep interest in anthropology and travel. Notable among his writings is "Savage Island: An Account of a Sojourn in Niué and Tonga," which provides insights into the daily lives and traditions of the people he encountered. Thomson's other significant works include "Queer People" and "The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom," which further illustrate his commitment to documenting the complexities of Pacific island societies. His narratives combine personal experience with scholarly observation, contributing to the understanding of cultural change in the region.