Summary

A matakau is a traditional Fijian idol, typically a carved wooden or stone figure that held deep spiritual and religious significance in pre-Christian Fijian society. These idols were representations of gods or ancestral spirits, and were central to Indigenous belief systems. Often stylised with human or anthropomorphic features, matakau ranged in size from small, portable figures to large statues housed in bure kalou (spirit house). They were not mere decorative items but were seen as physical vessels through which deities or spirits could manifest, communicate, or exert influence in the human world. Matakau played a vital role in ceremonies, particularly those led by priests or chiefs. These figures were central to rituals that sought protection in warfare, success in agriculture, or healing from illness. Offerings such as food, yaqona (kava), would be made to the matakau as a form of reverence and appeasement.
This female figure was likely a part of a post within a bure kalou made from sacred vesi wood (Intsia bijuga). The pubic area is carved to represent veiqia, a female tattooing practice. This matakau has played an important role in the revival of veiqia. She came in to the collection adorned with a small liku (skirt), however it is not known whether this may have been added after Christianisation.
With the arrival of Christianity and European missionaries in the 19th century, the role of the matakau underwent significant change. Many were destroyed or desecrated, and the rituals surrounding them were suppressed. Some matakau were taken overseas and now reside in museum collections, valued today for their cultural and historical significance. Despite these disruptions, the memory and meanings attached to matakau continue to be a part of Fiji's rich Indigenous heritage, and they offer insight into the complex spiritual landscape that existed before colonial transformation.

Local Name

Matakau

Physical Description

An anthropomorphic female figure made from the trunk of a palm tree. The figure has one arm.

More Information