Julie Shearer: Fiji Man Holding Spear

Artist: Julie Shearer
1938 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 9 by 7.75 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 12 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

On the island paradise of Fiji, where Polynesian and Melanesian cultures meet, a grand tradition of tribal dance endures today much as it was practiced long ago. Many of these dances center around the spear, which for centuries was not only protection against warring neighbors but also a means of acquiring food from the sea. The modern Fijians are descendants of proud warriors and even today they brandish their fearsome spears to perform vigorous war dances for feasts and other special occasions. At these times, the men paint their faces with charcoal and don leis and skirts of shredded leaves. The accompanying musicians sit cross-legged on the ground chanting in time as they drum the ground with lengths of bamboo. Meanwhile, the colorful dancers hoist spears skyward in vicious threats to their enemies. The spear is also important in the neighborhood fishing of Fiji. Fish are driven into nets which are anchored inside the reef. Women dive in among the coral to pierce the smaller fish with single-pronged spears. Then, placing the fish in their mouths, they kill them between their teeth. Once the women return to the beach, the men spear the larger fish and take them ashore for gutting. Often villages join together for these fish drives and anywhere from fifty to two hundred people participate. Soon, it becomes a gala occasion for all. Whether the spear is used in a festive dance or to catch fish for the dinner table, it is part of an island culture which is both happy and resourceful.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Combination Cover for the Fiji 10th Anniversary of Independence issue of October 6, 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): XB06563

US$ Price: $950.00

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