The culmination of a 'sevusevu' ceremony, 1965 (b/w photo) [2005/010/1/14/48]

The culmination of a 'sevusevu' ceremony A 'bilo' (half coconut shell) containing an infusion of water and powdered kava root (Piper methysticum) is passed between two men during a traditional 'sevusevu' welcoming ceremony. Watched by a seated audience, both men are naked from the waist up and wear ceremonial costume including face paint and skirts made from strips of fabric. Caption reads: No Fijian ceremony of any importance is complete without the Yanqona ceremony. It is reserved mainly for high chiefs and distinguished guests. The ceremony involves the making of the Yanqona drink, an infusion of the pounded or ground root of the shrub Paper Mesthiticum and water, which is mixed in a wooden bowl called a 'Tanoa'. Usually it is strained through Bast, a type of Flax, and the drink is served in coconut shells. Elaborate ritual and chanting is part of the ceremony. The cup-bearer is about to present Yanqona to distinguished guests. The drink is non-alcoholic.