Ratu Udre Udre – With a War Club

Ratu Udre Udre
Original Albumen Print, Late 19th Century
Fiji’s most prolific High Chief cannibal With a War Club.
Fiji, circa 1865

Height: 198mm (7.9 ins)
Width: 136mm (5.4 ins)

Ratu Udre Udre is a legendary figure in Fiji’s history, known for being one of the most prolific cannibals in the region. He was a high-ranking chief in the early 19th century, and his exploits in warfare and cannibalism have become the stuff of legend.

According to the oral tradition of the region, Ratu Udre Udre was said to have consumed between 872 and 999 people during his lifetime, making him one of the most notorious cannibals in the world. He reportedly kept a tally of his victims by stacking stones for each person he had eaten.

In addition to his cannibalistic tendencies, Ratu Udre Udre was also known for his prowess in battle. He was said to have been a skilled warrior and was often called upon to lead his people in battle against neighboring tribes. He was known for carrying a war club, a traditional weapon made from wood and often decorated with intricate carvings.

Despite his reputation as a cannibal and warrior, Ratu Udre Udre was also a respected chief in his community. He was said to have been a fair and just ruler, and his people looked up to him as a leader. His legacy is still remembered in Fiji today, and he remains a controversial figure in the country’s history.