The first settlers of the Fijian islands, the "Lapita people", already had pottery and the knowledge to make pottery when they arrived around 3000 years ago. This vessel dates from the 19th century. At that time, women from the seafaring clans made the pottery. The water vessel shows a turtle lying on its back - in the position in which it was also offered at sacrificial feasts. Turtles were highly prized animals and offerings and a popular motif in pottery. To drink from the vessels, they were held up in the air and the stream of water was channelled directly into the mouth.