The different wooden objects
The turtle has an important significance in Fijian culture: it is often mentioned in legends and is reputed to bring good luck. So it's only natural that it should feature prominently in Fijian handicrafts. You'll find either wooden turtles of various sizes, or carved objects in the shape of turtles (e.g. kitchen dishes), or even motifs inlaid directly into wooden objects.
Wooden masks are another essential element of Fijian craftsmanship. They are handcrafted from mako wood and then polished. Not part of traditional Fijian culture, they were imported by Tongans and Samoans in the 18th century. According to legend, masks were originally carved to represent various gods and ideals, such as prosperity, love, strength and abundance, happiness and luck. Nowadays, masks are mainly used for decoration and gift-giving. Animals often depicted on masks include turtles, sharks, dolphins and certain fish.
The tanoa, a four-legged wooden dish used for drinking kava, is also a staple of Fijian craftsmanship. The tanoa also has a hole and a rope for hanging when not in use for ceremonies. The rope can be decorated with shells.
An original souvenir. If you're in a more warlike mood, you can take home a war club in your luggage. This traditional weapon was the most widely used by Fijians, who rarely parted with it. Other elements of Fijian art can be found on the club and, in some cases, the combination of elements on the club can be used to identify its owner. Clubs could have different uses depending on how they were made, and inflicted different wounds depending on the model. They are now used by Fijians for dances(mekes) and ceremonies - it's much more peaceful!
Cannibal forks", a reminder of Fiji's cannibalistic past, are on sale in most souvenir stores. They look like pieces of wood between 15 and 45 cm long, often dark in color, and with teeth. They make a picturesque souvenir that's easy to pack in your luggage. Research has shown that these forks were not used on a daily basis, but were reserved for certain occasions for important people (village chiefs, religious figures) so that they would not have direct contact with human flesh.
Clothing
Often very colorful, clothing plays an important role in Fijian souvenir stores. The pieces are of high quality, and more and more brands are paying attention to sustainable development, offering swimwear made from recycled plastic, for example. Whether you're looking for a new dress, children's clothing or shorts, you'll easily find what you're looking for. For a souvenir that will also come in handy during your stay in Fiji, you can buy a sarong to wrap around your waist to protect your legs, allowing you to explore traditional Fijian villages and Hindu temples. Even more typical, the sulu is the equivalent of a skirt, also worn by Fijian schoolchildren and the guards who sit in front of the presidential palace in Suva, for example. You can also visit a tailor for a made-to-measure garment. Rugby fans will love a Fijian national team jersey(Drua). A T-shirt with the inscription "Bula" is also a must-have in Fijian souvenir stores.
Other ideas for vacation souvenirs
Masi ( or tapa), once used for clothing, is now used for decorative objects (bags, wall decorations, baskets, etc.). The raw material used comes from the inner bark of the mulberry tree and, after several operations, produces a fabric soft enough to be malleable.
In the jewelry department, you'll be able to take home jewelry made from shells, earrings handcrafted from masi , or cultured pearls. The latter are less well known than Tahitian pearls, but are equally beautiful, with different colors and sizes available. The chocolate color is rare enough to merit a mention. The Prouds has a good reputation for pearl purchases and can be found in most shopping malls around the country. You can also buy directly from the producers(J. Hunter in Savusavu and Civa Pearl Farm in Taveuni, both of which also offer pearl tours). Cultured pearl production in Fiji remains modest in scale, but considerable resources are being devoted to its development, in cooperation with village chiefs and with the help of government subsidies. The process is highly technical, involving the "grafting" of millimeter-sized beads into the oyster. If the graft is successful, the oyster will produce nacre around the bead, resulting in a pearl after several months. However, in the vast majority of cases, the graft does not take and the oyster rejects the foreign body. Patience is also required after a successful graft: it takes around 18 months before pearls can be harvested. However, the quality of Fijian waters is an advantage for pearl cultivation: the process is faster here, as it generally takes 3 years to cultivate pearls. Oysters must be cleaned frequently during their growth to protect them from parasites, and marine predators must be kept at bay.
Pottery. Fiji has a long history of pottery (as far back as 900-1000 BC), and still offers some fine wares today. Some Fijian villages also offer pottery-making demonstrations.
Several Fijiancosmetics brands also feature prominently on store displays. The Pure Fiji brand is one of the best known, becoming a real success story in just a few years thanks to the talent and marketing acumen of Mrs. Austin and her daughter. The company was founded in 1996 and the factory is in Suva, but Pure Fiji has managed to conquer an international market, and its products are exported to the United States in particular, with several Hollywood stars falling under the brand's spell. Pure Fiji products are often based on virgin coconut oil, coconut milk and cane sugar. Numerous other brands are available, and most of them also favor natural products.
Small souvenirs. If you're short of space in your bag or suitcase, you can always slip in a coconut bowl or a notebook made from masi. This is also an economical option for bringing home a little souvenir from the islands. Gourmets can take home chocolate, honey or candied ginger. Those who enjoy a taste of kava can take some home in powdered form for added convenience.
Nadi airport has a number of souvenir stores. In principle, you will leave the country via this airport, so you can always make last-minute purchases. Don't rely on stores at other airports, which are too small.
