Mel Crawford: Fiji Scenes

Artist: Mel Crawford
1925 -
Nationality: Canadian
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 12 by 14 inches
Overall Size: 15.125 by 17.625 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

Often called the "Crossroads of the South Pacific," Fiji is actually a group of more than three hundred islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. While the island of Viti Levu (Big Fiji) covers about half of Fiji's total land area and Vanua Levu (Big Land) covers another third, many of the islands are no more than piles of sand on coral reefs. Most of the larger islands were formed by volcanoes, and their high volcanic peaks, rolling hills, rivers and grasslands are joined by lush tropical rain forests, fertile coastal plains and lovely river valleys. The tropical climate is tempered by cool winds, keeping the weather comfortable year round. The people of the islands are mostly Fijian of Melanesian descent, and Indian, descended from laborers imported to Fiji in the late 1800's. Native Fijians live in rural areas and follow traditional customs, including the ceremonial drinking of yaqona, made from pepper plants, as the basis of a friendly welcome. Their traditional stories are kept alive in song and dance. And, the firewalking ceremony, in which natives walk barefoot across white-hot boulders, is always a spectacular event. The Indian population is divided. Many work in the sugarcane fields as their ancestors did. Others have become prosperous shopkeepers and businessmen. They, too, have preserved much of their native culture including the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Independent since 1970, Fiji remains a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.N. 15¢ Fiji Flags of the U.N. Series stamp issuedSeptember 26, 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): XB06115

US$ Price: $1,500.00

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