Case file · Folklore / legend
The curse of Nabutautau
Methodist missionary Thomas Baker was killed and eaten at Nabutautau in the Fijian highlands on 21 July 1867; villagers came to believe misfortune had cursed them, and in 2003 they held a ceremony of apology with his descendants.
1867 CE · -17.80, 178.00 · status: official
The account
Baker reportedly offended a chief by touching his head. In November 2003 the village hosted Baker's descendants and Fiji's prime minister in a reconciliation ceremony to lift the curse.
The sceptical view
The killing is documented; the 'curse' is the community's own reading of its isolation and poverty.