Balaka seemanii - The balaka palm, also known as the spear palm, is endemic to Vanua Levu and Taveuni islands. This delicate palm thrives in the understory layers of rainforest settings at elevations of 140 meters and up. The palm grows to a height of about 7 meters; the slender trunk rarely exceeds 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter. Warfare between the various Fijian tribes was common and the trunk of the balaka palm was the primary source used for making spears.
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Fiji consists of two groups of ethnic peoples; the Melanesians and Indo-Fijians; about 54% and 38% respectively. The colonial domination of Fiji by Great Britain culminated in the rapid growth of the sugar cane industry and resulted in a massive labor shortage. The British imported additional laborers to work the plantations from India. The majority of these indentured laborers, also know as “Girmit,” integrated themselves into Fiji at the end of their work contract to become a vital part of Fijian society.
