Julie Shearer: Fijian Man Blowing Conch Shell Horn

Artist: Julie Shearer
1938 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 9.75 by 8.75 inches
Overall Size: 14.5 by 12.75 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

Driving past the scenic splendors of Fiji enjoying the warm, sunny climate cooled by gentle tradewinds, life seems to take on a make-believe quality. White, sandy beaches and palm-shaded coves in private bays or knolls invite the day-dreaming soul. Sugar cane plantations and rich farmlands line the coast, occasionally interrupted by soft, open beaches and coconut plantations. Further inland are small villages where life has changed little through the passing years. Women wash the family laundry in sparkling rivers as children playfully catch prawns to sell. Tiny, Indian-run stores are stocked with the bare essentials of village life. Suddenly, the spell is broken. In the distance, a hollow, bass sound is heared. Once, this melancholy owl-like hooting would have brought men running from their work to defend their villages against attck from other tribes. Today, its significance is more peaceful. Today, the sound of the Conch Shell can mean the arrival of an important visitor, mourning for a great chief's death, or the bringing ashore of a catch of fish. In recent times, the shell ws blown at the funeral of Ratu Tevita, Tui Nayau of the Lauan archipelago. He was the father of Ratu Mara, Fiji's Chief Minister and his passing marked the end of the reign of the traditional chiefs of Fiji. By custom, the people were not allowed to weep until the body was buried. So to symbolize their grief they blew the Conch Shell continuously. And the eerie, solemn sound pealed throughout the ancient island kingdom.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Fijian 20¢ Tourism stamp issued August 18, 1980.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06518

US$ Price: Reg. $950.00 Today $475.00

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