Update: 12:43PM WOMEN of Marshall Islands who are weavers of Jaki-ed (clothing mats) have the opportunity to display their artistry in other parts of the globe after the 11th Jaki-ed (fine weaving) exhibition and silent auction last week.
The
participants will be showing their fine art around the world next year, with a
demonstration being held at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, America and a
display of the mats at Australia’s Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane.
A statement from the University of the South Pacific today said last week’s exhibition saw prize money, bids and sales
totalling US$5,106 (FJ$10463.22) all of which went to the participating women.
This brings the amount earned by weavers since the first auction to
US$89,053.50 (FJ$182488.43).
The
rediscovering of the making of traditional clothing mats had been championed
over the years by Maria Fowler and Director of USP’s Marshall Island Campus Dr
Irene Taafaki.
“We were
especially honoured to have Her Excellency Hilda Heine, President of the
Republic of Marshall Islands, along with other distinguished guests including
Her Excellency Karen Stewart, United States Ambassador and longtime supporter,
and Mr Patrick Chen from the Bank of the Marshall Islands,” said Dr Taafaki.
The event
was organised by the USP Marshall Islands
Campus, Marshall Islands Visitors Authority, Marshall Islands Handicraft
Association and Marshall Islands Resort.
