Logbook
Louis de Vaux de Folletier- The Pursuer
13th February, 1850
It is late, I have just come back on board. We are leaving tomorrow,
I am looking forward to coming back to France and at the same time,
I am dreading the long voyage back.
The inhabitants of the Fidji isles are joyful and generous. They welcomed
us with necklaces of scented tiaré flowers. During our stay, they treated us like kings.
They thanked us for the gifts we brought, cheap jewels, cotton fabric
objects, steel knifes and hunting guns.
That night we were served a really delicious,big meal, fish rolled in banana leaves
and cooked on stones.
We drank some coconut milk and kava alcohol.
The women dressed in woven coconut leaves and men adorned with tattoos were
dancing.I had the impression of seeing a whirlwind of colours around me.
We were all around the fire when the village chief offered us presents.
I was given a «tapa» carpet and a dagger.
This is a knife that seems to me inoffensive. It looks simple, made of wood
and plant fibres, holding about twenty teeth,undoubtedly from shark. I have already
seen fishermen, bringing some back on the beach and using them for jewelry and ornaments.
Looking at it, I am all the more surprised at the way it was so meticulously shaped.
What can it be for? These shark teeth are more suitable for cutting than for sclicing.
It is bound to be a valuable weapon, a rare object, used for rituals, so numerous on this island.
I am honoured by this gift.
14th February , 1850
Little by little, the land disappears, giving way to the vast ocean.
Soon I will be back in my country.
