The Culture of Graves on Rotuma

Abstract

In this article we look at graves on Rotuma, a volcanic island in the South Pacific, from a cultural and historical perspective. We argue that graves reflect attitudes towards death and ancestors, towards hierarchy and social position; that the location of graves involves spatial conceptions; that grave goods reflect notions of material value; and that grave visitations are indicative of the nature of social relationships between various categories of persons. In addition, a variety of emotions—including love, fear and grief—are embedded and symbolised in the forms, decorations and care of graves. We explore the way social and cultural changes have affected how Rotuman graves are produced and maintained, and the ways in which the graves, in turn, reflect changes that have taken place in Rotuman society