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Fiji: Fire Walkers of Beqa Island (b / w photo)
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Fiji: Fire Walkers of Beqa Island (b / w photo)
5992104 Fiji: Fire Walkers of Beqa Island (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Fire Walkers of Beqa Island. There is only one tribe in the Colony who perform the mysterious fire-dance. A broad shallow pit is dug in the ground, and a large fire of logs, covered with stones, is built therein. After heating for some hours the stones are levelled off, the performers advance from cover, walk once round over the heated stones and, after leaves are thrown in, sit amidst the smoke and steam, chant a song, and retire. Illustration for The Colony of Fiji, 1874-1924 (S Bach, Government Printer, 1924). Note: Copyright of photos is credited to Government of Fiji.); © Look and Learn
Media ID 22792074
© Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Advance British Crown Broad Built Chant Colony Cover Covered Fiji Fijian Fijians Ground Heated Heating Logs Nineteen Twenties Perform Performers Retire Shallow Song Steam Stones Thrown Tribe Beqa Island Levelled
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This print captures the mesmerizing Fire Walkers of Beqa Island in Fiji. Taken by an English photographer in the 20th century, this image is part of a private collection. The fire dance performed by this unique tribe is shrouded in mystery and tradition. The scene depicts a broad shallow pit dug into the ground, where a large fire of logs covered with stones has been built. After hours of heating, the stones are leveled off, signaling the performers to advance from their cover. With courage and determination, they walk once around over the heated stones, defying pain and showcasing their incredible resilience. As leaves are thrown into the pit, creating smoke and steam that envelops them, these brave individuals sit amidst this ethereal atmosphere. Chanting a haunting song that echoes through time, they retire from their extraordinary feat. This powerful illustration was originally featured in "The Colony of Fiji" published between 1874-1924. It showcases not only the rich cultural heritage of Fiji but also highlights its connection to British colonial history. With copyright credited to the Government of Fiji and preserved by Bridgeman Images' Fine Art Finder collection, this photograph offers us a glimpse into an ancient ritual that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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