Description
Palm Fan Umbrella 2 Cents Fiji Authentic Coin Money for Jewelry & Craft Making (Iri masei) (Ai viu) (Fiji Fan Palm) Reverse: Fiji fan palm & denomination Lettering: 2 cents Obverse: Crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right surrounded by legend Lettering: ELIZABETH II FIJI 1992 Features IssuerFiji PeriodRepublic (1987-date) TypeStandard circulation coin Years1990-2001 Value2 Cents (0.02 FJD) CurrencyDollar (1969-date) CompositionCopper plated zinc Weight3.16 g Diameter21.1 mm Thickness1.64 mm ShapeRound TechniqueMilled OrientationMedal alignment ↑↑ Demonetized13 October 2008 NumberN# 2952 ReferencesKM# 50a Wikipedia: in Fiji the leaves of Fiji fan palm were traditionally used as fans, known as Iri masei or Ai viu, that were only used by the chiefs. A light, flexible wood was used to construct a border for the leaves. in Fijian, the term Ai viu refers to both a fan & an umbrella, as the leaves of Fiji fan palm were used for protection from both the sun & the rain. The leaf was held immediately above the head when it was raining in order & the rain rolled off the leaf behind the head. The trunk of this species was occasionally used for ridge-beams. This species was associated with the upper classes & only one or two trees were usually found in a village, as these plants provided enough leaves to meet the material needs of the village chiefs. Pritchardia pacifica, the Fiji fan palm, is a species of palm tree in the genus Pritchardia that is native to Tonga. It is also found on Fiji, Samoa, & the Marquesas however these populations are likely to be human introductions. This species is found in tropical dry forests. This species reaches a height of 15 metres (49 ft), with a smooth, grayish tan trunk 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. The 20-30 leaves are 4 feet (1.2 m) wide & equally long, held on petioles 4 feet (1.2 m) in length. The large, flat & rounded leaves are divided 1/4-1/3 into many stiff-tipped segments. The inflorescences are composed of 1-4 panicles, shorter than or equalling the petioles in length. The panicles are branched to 2 orders, with glabrous rachillae. The flowers are followed by small, shiny dark brown to purplish black, spherical fruits, 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) in diameter. Palm Fan Umbrella 2 Cents Fiji Authentic Coin Money For Jewelry & Craft Making | Iri Masei | Ai Viu | Fiji Palm
