Supernatural Powers in Rural Fiji: Traditional Knowledge of the Metaphysical and Mundane

Current literature on the transmission of knowledge focuses on transmission between human-to-human agents. Yet, various indigenous groups attribute agency and personhood onto the natural world. More-than-human agents, including supernatural agents, are perceived to play important roles in the transmission of knowledge pertaining to human development. The present study focuses on the role of more-than-human agents in the transmission of knowledge and agency attributed to the natural world. The participants are from Yasawa Island, Fiji (n = 40). Seventy-six interview questions on the powers of the chief, sorcery, borisi (anger which causes misfortune), traditional medicine, and folk sayings were investigated through thematic analysis. The major themes that arose were: powers acquisition, supernatural agent behaviour, agency and traditional medicine. My findings suggest that supernatural, more-than-human agents, are responsible for the transmission of powers. The Christian God is perceived to be responsible for the transmission of powers of the chief (sau) whereas the Local God is perceived to be associated with powers of sorcery (sau sau). The natural world is also perceived as an informant for everyday life. Results examine the influence of introduced religion and the role of supernatural agents in the transmission of values and cultural norms.