Physical Description of the Tongans and the Yavusa Tonga Community in Fiji

As in my other discussions, I want to apologize in advance in the event the subject touches one's raw nerves. This was not intended to show any holier-than-thou attitude or superiority complex to the readers. I am merely repeating and paraphrasing in some instances what the original author wrote in his observation of the Toguese (Tongans) during his trip to Fiji. Anare Cakau opened a discussion, "We are from Tonga , too" which triggered my interest to join the group discussion. I guess it is also fair for me to say, I am from Fiji, too. I just have to find out where in Fiji.

Berthold C. Seemann, one of the leading British delegates to Fiji in the 1860, was send to verify Cakobau's request to cede Fiji to England. The British, through hooks and crooks, persuaded Cakobau and the high chiefs to cede Fiji to England for England's benefits. Mr Seemann wrote that one of the benefits of being a colony was, "to escape from the insupportable exactions and the tyrannies of the Tonguese (Tongans). The Tonguese may well be called the flower of the Polynesian race. (That is probably why the Yavusa Tonga community is packed with drooling and eye popping beautiful people. LOL) Captain Wilkes boasted, "there are very few spots on the whole face of this earth where one could behold many handsome people together. (Ain't that the truth?) They are tall men with fine intelligent features, dark, often curly hair, and of a light brown complexion....This physical superiority....may partly result from the different treatment to which the women are subjected amongst these two nations. Whilst in Tonga, the women have been treated from time immemorial with all the consideration demanded by their weaker and more delicate constitution, not being allowed to perform any hard work. The women of Fiji ... carry heavy loads, do actual field work, go out fishing, and besides, attend to all domestic arrangements....." While in Koro Basabasaga, he observed a native man walking leisurely along, whilst the woman is carrying a heavy load of sugar-cane."

Captain Cook wrote about how beautiful and fair the Tonguese women were. Their skin could almost reflect the moonlight at night. (This was probably from the milituitui, Ami described in an earlier discussion.)

I guess my point is threefold. We ought to be proud of our heritage. We must continue our utmost respect for our women. And we were born beautiful. Don't worry about what others think of you. Although my face breaks mirors everytime I see one, but in my mind, I am beautiful..And so are you.