ANISI Tupou was introduced to the art of masi (tapa) making at the tender age of 11.
She inherited the age-old tradition under he mum’s tutelage
At 48, the resident of Banaras in Lautoka, has successfully passed on the same skills to her children. Together they have a family business.
The proud mother-of-five says her children have embraced the art with confidence and pride.
“I specialise in preparing masi, a traditional i-Taukei cloth made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree,” Ms Tupou said.
“My mum Leba Toki was doing it and since I am from Nasau, Moce in Lau, this is part of our custom.”
“Nasau villagers are skilled masi makers. Now, my daughters have learnt it, even my sons, so the tradition continues.”
Ms Tupou said masi held special significance in i-Taukei culture and formed a crucial part of traditional events such as weddings, birthdays, funerals and church activities.
“All our traditional events have tapa, that’s how important it is,” she said.
Her masi designs come in a variety of sizes and prices. A six-by-four feet size is $150, and if you need a wedding dress, it goes for $300.
While she is eager to promote traditional Fijian art, Ms Tupou is also mindful of the environment.
“I use various organic stuff to decorate masi, such as black dye from soot and red colour from red clay. Everything is from nature.”
Ms Tupou gets support from her family and her customers, ensuring the sustainability of her business.
“My customers are mostly tourists.
“Since my husband is from Yasawa, whenever we go there, I take my stock to sell to tourists.
“I have a local price and a tourist price.
“One of my sons is in the yasawas, so he sells products for me.”
Ms Tupou said her biggest business challenge was accessing a market for her art work.
“Many women have joined the handicraft business, and they’re promoting their products on social media. However, we have a different designs. Moce has different designs and so does Vatulele.
Ms Tupou hopes to expand her business and enter the export market in the future.
“I want to buy a new car and a piece of land where our family can live happily,” she said.
“For this reason, I am working hard. I know through hard work and dedication I’d be able to achieve all my dreams.”
Ms Tupou urges women in the village to put their artistic skills to good use and arrest the problem of poverty and unemployment.
Ms Tupou’s 74-year-old mum is still actively engaged in masi-making.
“We are proud to be engaged in masi-making,” she said.
“In my free time or whenever I print masi, my grandchildren are always around and I get them to observe and learn the skill.”
