Fiji calling? Here's what you should buy as souvenirs
Touted to be among the most gorgeous Pacific islands, Fiji garners love for its volcanic mountains, white sand beaches, and stunning coral reefs. It happens to be an island country where both art and craft are important elements of its warm culture, which is why you should take a piece of Fiji with you back home. Here are five Fijian souvenirs you must grab.
Tapa artwork
Tapa paintings or tapa cloths hold a cultural value in Fiji and you will find them everywhere in the country. The cloth (locally called masi cloth) is made with the mulberry tree's bark and is used as a canvas by local artists. For the artwork, they use natural colorants from forest products and create beautiful tribal symbols, floral patterns, or fauna figures.
Coconut shells
When shopping in Fiji, you will also find some nicely-decorated coconut shells that are popular and quintessentially Fijian. The coconut shells are polished and are primarily used to serve Kava. However, you can even use them as home decor pieces to jazz up your space. They are readily available in regional markets or gift shops, so buying them is easy.
Carved turtles
Carved turtles are among the precious and traditional Fijian mementos as they are deemed lucky. You may even find turtles structures made/printed in resorts and restaurants across the country. As the Fiji Fisheries Act forbids the killing of these adorable aquatic beings, its wooden carvings are available in the markets. You can get your hands on some turtle-shaped bowls, paintings, and many other items.
Kava goods
Kava is another traditional Fiji souvenir that you must score. It is made from the ground yaqona root and is popularly consumed as a local beverage, especially during ceremonies and celebrations. Its powder is mixed with water to create a muddy-looking concoction, yielding a numbing effect when consumed. The sale and purchase of kava packets are completely legal, unrestricted, and authorized.
Cannibal forks and figures
There's no denying the fact that Fiji used to practice cannibalism about 150 years ago. Well, while now it doesn't, its macabre history can be seen through artifacts across shops. From cannibal forks with four prongs on the end to cannibal figurines made with coconut shells, there is something for everyone up for grabs. All these carved cannibal items feature precise shapes and designs.
