Performing a 'sevusevu' ceremony, 1965 (b/w photo) [2005/010/1/14/46]

Performing a 'sevusevu' ceremony Five Fijian men sit in a circle around a wooden 'tanoa' as they participate in a traditional 'sevusevu' welcoming ceremony. Naked from the waist up, the men wear face paint, grass skirts and leis made from leaves. The central figure strains a mixture of water and powdered kava root (Piper methysticum) through a cloth to remove any grit, before distributing the infusion. Caption reads: The Yanqona ceremony This is a greatly revered ceremony of welcome though it is in no sense religious. Yanqona is also the traditional drink of the Fijian people. It is made from the root of a plant which is grated when fresh and mixed with water. The ceremony is long and solemn. Yanqona is liked by some Europeans, but to others it tastes like dish water mixed with a generous amount of Gregory powder.