A Racial Study of the Fijians

In the mid‑1950s the author spent seven months travelling across Fiji, gathering detailed body‑measurement data from more than 800 native men. Using classic anthropometric techniques, he records everything from height and limb proportions to subtle variations in facial features, presenting the results in clear tables that show ranges, averages and the frequency of particular traits. The study also draws on earlier comparative work from nearby islands to place the Fijian sample within the broader Pacific picture.

The findings highlight Fiji’s status as a cultural and biological crossroads, where Melanesian and Polynesian influences blend in differing degrees across the archipelago. By dividing the data into four geographic zones, the author reveals distinct patterns—such as the more isolated interior of Viti Levu retaining older characteristics, while the eastern Lau Islands display stronger Polynesian traits. This nuanced portrait offers listeners a scientific glimpse into how geography, history and migration have shaped the physical diversity of Fiji’s people.