Julie Shearer: Fijian Bure and Geckos

Artist: Julie Shearer
1938 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 9 by 7.5 inches
Overall Size: 15.25 by 12 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

The people of Fiji have changed in many ways since the arrival of the Europeans centuries ago. Today, many of their ancient customs and beliefs have been put aside in favor of more modern ideas. But one of the constants of Fijian life is the bure, a large, single-roomed house with a thatched roof. It is still home to many Fijians. The original pattern of life in Fiji was based on the village, a settlement of bures arranged around a central open space. Because of the mountains and frequently inaccessible interiors, many villages were situated close to the sea, thus facilitating fishing in the lagoons and travel by sea. Land around the village was cultivated for subsistence crops. Today, this pattern of settlement is still fairly common. A casual walk through one of these villages will introduce you to the friendly inhabitants of the islands as they go about their daily chores. You might also note the almost-tame lizards of the area which seem to blend into the everyday routine. The gecko, for instance, is often found in the vicinity of human dwellings and sometimes is specifically adapted to coexistence with humans. It can be seen hanging head down from walls or even celings of the bures, hunting insects, its dietary mainstay. Another lizard, the large, tree-dwelling banded iguana is one of the few animals indigenous to Fiji. It is regarded as a totem by one tribal group, and its name is not allowed to be mentioned in the presence of women.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Fiji 50¢ 10th Anniversary of Independence stamp issued 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): XB06672

US$ Price: $950.00

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