iTaukei, legally known until 2010 as
Fijians, are the major indigenous people of the
Fiji Islands, and live in an area informally called
Melanesia. Indigenous Fijians are believed to have arrived in Fiji from western
Melanesia approximately 3,500 years ago, though the exact origins of the Fijian people are unknown. Later they would move onward to other surrounding islands, including
Rotuma, as well as blending with other (Polynesian) settlers on
Tonga and
Samoa. They are indigenous to all parts of Fiji except the island of
Rotuma. The original settlers are now called "
Lapita people" after a distinctive pottery produced locally. Lapita pottery was found in the area from 800 BC onward.