Exhibition celebrates shared heritage

France and Fiji are deepening their cultural partnership with the "Fiji 1838: Face to Face" exhibition. This event features rare historical drawings from an 1838 French expedition, offering a unique perspective on Fiji's past. Benjamin Delannoy, French Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, emphasized at the opening that the exhibition symbolizes the strong friendship and growing cultural cooperation between the two nations. While France and Fiji collaborate on issues like climate change and biodiversity, Delannoy noted that cultural exchange is equally vital for strengthening people-to-people ties.

The exhibition presents nearly 200-year-old drawings, many of which have remained largely unseen by the public. Delannoy pointed out that these drawings offer a more nuanced view of Fijian society than many contemporary European accounts, which often focused primarily on chiefs and warriors. "At a time when many 19th-century European accounts focused mainly on chiefs and warriors, these drawings also portray women in their many roles within Fijian society as mothers, producers, craftspeople, custodians of knowledge and active members of their communities," he stated.

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At a time when many 19th-century European accounts focused mainly on chiefs and warriors, these drawings also portray women in their many roles within Fijian society as mothers, producers, craftspeople, custodians of knowledge and active members of their communities.

This collaborative exhibition is the result of joint efforts involving French and Fijian museums, researchers, and artists. It aims to bring together Fiji's history and local perspectives. Armando Lowe, Chief Executive of the Fiji Museum, announced that an exhibition catalogue will be launched in October, providing the public with enhanced access to Fiji's history. Lowe stated, "As a national museum, we believe heritage is most valuable when it tells a forward story and includes multiple voices and perspectives. That philosophy lies at the heart of Fiji 1838: Face to Face. This collaboration extends far beyond Fiji."

The artworks, which have been housed in France for many years, are now being shared with the people of Fiji. This initiative allows Fijians to reconnect with their heritage and gain a deeper understanding of their history through these historical visual records. The exhibition underscores the importance of cultural cooperation in building bridges between nations and preserving shared heritage.

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As a national museum, we believe heritage is most valuable when it tells a forward story and includes multiple voices and perspectives. That philosophy lies at the heart of Fiji 1838: Face to Face. This collaboration extends far beyond Fiji.