The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom

"The Fijians: A Study of the Decay of Custom" by Basil Thomson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text explores the transformative changes and the decline of traditional customs among the Fijians under the influence of Western civilization and missionary activities. It aims to detail this cultural shift, especially concerning the Fijians' customs, belief systems, and social organization. The opening of the work introduces the author's extensive experience living among the Fijians for over a decade, during which he assumed various roles including Stipendiary Magistrate and Commissioner of the Native Lands Court. It discusses the struggle between traditional customs and the encroaching modern influences, illustrating how the Fijians are neither entirely savage nor civilized, but rather exist in a state of cultural transition. Thomson highlights the ambiguous outcomes of missionary efforts, which have changed moral and religious beliefs without addressing practical issues such as health and agriculture, resulting in a population that has become progressively complacent and disconnected from their former customs.