Fuji or, Fiji?
Fijians say sorry to eaten Briton's family [Reparations?]
BBC News ^ | 14 October 2003 | Uncredited
Posted on 10/14/2003 11:44 AM PDT by lambo
The family of an English missionary who was eaten by Fijian tribespeople 136 years ago are to receive an apology.
According to local media, the remote village of Tui Navatusila on the Fijian island of Viti Levu has invited the descendants of the late Reverend Thomas Baker to visit next month.
Reverend Baker was killed and cooked by the people of Tui Navatusila on 21 July, 1867, after he took a comb out of a chief's hair.
It is forbidden to touch the head of a chief in Fiji.
One villager who took part in the feast was quoted in contemporary accounts as saying "we ate everything but his boots".
One of his boots is reportedly on display in the Fiji Museum.
Fiji's Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, is expected to attend the traditional apology.
The Fiji Village web site reported that the inhabitants of Tui Navatusila believed they were suffering from a curse because of the actions of their forefathers.
Reverend Baker is the only white man to have fallen victim to Fiji cannibals.
