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Annex 1 | Workshop Report Revitalization of Bure Building Skills

Revival of Traditional Skills & Handicraft Development

Kuta Weaving Skills Workshop

Salt Making and Craft Workshop

Revitalization of Bure Building Skills in the District of Nasinu in Ovalau | 47

REVIVALIZATION OF BURE BUILDING SKILLS In the district of Nanisu in Ovalau

1 to 5 December 2008

1. Background of the Project Area

The project was a collaborative effort between two government department; Institute of Fijian Language and Culture, Department of Culture and Heritage and the Fiji Arts Council.

It was primarily aimed at revitalizing and safeguarding a strand of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the course of Cultural Mapping by research officers of the Institute of Fijian Language and Culture (IFLC) of the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (MIA), concern was raised by villagers on likelihood of an ICH in the village being forgotten and later being lost. Proposal was submitted to the Department of Culture and Heritage (C&H) of the Ministry of Education to facilitate costing and assist in the planning for a program that will revive this dying ICH.

2. Intoroduction of Target ICH

The main focus of the project was the revival of an art in traditional Fijian house construction. Commonly known as a ‘Fijian Bure,’ the house is unique in layout and comes in different shapes and sizes. In traditional Fijian villages, a ‘Bure’ signifies status and importance. From the foundation to the roof, each part of the ‘Bure’ is expertly constructed to be in line with specific purposes it has been constructed for. There are three main types of Bure that is common in Fiji. The first are houses with straight sides and rounded ends, and an arched roof throughout. These are Tongan type houses and are only found in the Lau Group of eastern Fiji. The second are the oblong houses without a centre pole. These are found throughout the rest of Fiji. They come in two different forms, namely:

48 | Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Efforts in Fiji

a) Houses with a main post in the middle of each of the short ends. These houses usually have king-posts supporting the ridgepole and the ends of the roof are in line with the ends, i.e., they form gable ends.

b) Houses with no main posts. In these houses all the wall posts are the same height and the ridge-pole is usually supported by king-posts. The short ends of the roof slope inwards, forming a four sided hip roof.

The third type are the centre poled houses of western Viti Levu. These houses are rectangular in form and have a single main post in the centre of the floor to support the ridge-pole and the apex of the roof. They can either square with ashort ridgepole, or oblong with a long ridge pole. The house constructed in Nasinu Ovalau is second type described commonly known as the Doka Leka (Short Pole).

3. Objective of the project

The objectives are the; Revitalization of ICH that is related to Fijian Bure construction for Tikina

Nasinu in Ovalau. Safeguarding of ICH that is related to Fijian Bure construction for Tikina

Nasinu in Ovalau. Transmission of ICH that is related to Fijian Bure construction for Tikina

Nasinu in Ovalau.

4. Methods of Implementation

Need for revitalization of said ICH was identified during Cultural Mapping conducted by the researchers of the Institute of Fijian language and Culture. Likewise resource person to facilitate transmission of ICH was also identified in the mapping exercise. The project supports DCH work towards finalization of nomination document for Levuka (Ovalau) to be listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Listing. After consultation with stakeholders and resource person, materials needed for the constructed was prepared and brought to construction one prior to commencement of workshop. Cost of transportation of building materials and laborers was borne by the DCH. Participants were selected from within the Tikina of Nasinu and were taken through a step by step demonstration of how a Fijian Bure was constructed. The workshop took eight days and 20 participants were young males whose age arranges from 17 to 25. Resource person was remunerated at $50.00 a day and there are plans to recognize his work by nominating him to be a Living Human Treasure. At the end of the workshop each participant were awarded a certificate in recognition for their participation in the program.


Parts of the Fijian Bure Constructed in Levuka Yavu- (Foundation)This is a mound of earth that is raised to be higher than the normal ground level that is constructed specifically with soil and stone barriers for bure construction. Duru- (Post) This specially chosen local timber that is to be part of the main supporting structure for the bure.

Duru kautabu

Kautabu (Upper Plate) This is the two main structures that run along the length of the house and it joins the two main posts to make up the two main walls of the building


Coka- (Cross beams)

The piece of timber that joins the two upper plate and at the same time complete the

four corner structure of the bure.

coka Boutoka- (Pillars) The piece of timber that determines the height of the roof. It sits on the icoka and is main supporting structure of the roof.

boutoka

Isa- (rafter) Supporting structure that will hold the roof and upon which baji will be placed.

Isa (rafter)


Baji- Smaller piece placed over the rafters to assist easier thatching of the roof structure.

baji

Ileqe- The main supporting structure for the rafter and Baji. Their function is to strengthen the sides and ends of the roof frame before tying on the thatch.

ileqe

Doka- (Main ridge pole) Main supporting structure for the topmost part of the roof. Here all the baji and rafter end. Na kau vakababa toka mai cake. Na kau qo era lai cegu kece vua na baji kei na isa ni loma ni vale.

doka


Latu- Smaller post in between the main ones. This is to support side thatching for the wall.

latu

Qasiqasinikalavo- (Upper ridgepole) The pole lies parallel to the ridgepole to allow the butui (top thatch) to be well covered and to have the desired shape. The misimisi is then well plaited and weaved to give its overall shape.

Qasiqasinikalavo (Upper Ridgepole)

Butui- The topmost part of the roof structure. This part determines shape of roof and is carefully crafted to the leading carpenters (mataisau) design. Vavuni varasa. - Stalks of reeds (gasau) that are tied together to thicken the topmost part of roof thatching. Wa kalou- A type of strong vine that rows out in the wild especially in dry places. It usually used in the exterior of a bure as it is able to sustain or withstand pressures to changing weather patterns and adverse climatic conditions. Ulaula- Reeds (gasau) that are plaited together to make up the wall structure.


Vavau- (Baton/Purline) Is chosen from local trees such as makita, dogo, and ivi. This is to allow ample spacing with rafter’s and Baji.

vavau

Loru- Balabala Ferntree that is attached to the ends of the upper ridgepoledau is sometimes called the house of rats.

loru

ivua- Supporting structure for the idoka (main ridgepole). ivua


Doka ivacola vavau isa

ivua

ileqe

Boutoka


doka bati

isa


The Bure that was constructed in Nasinu Ovalau.


5. Outcome of the project

Traditional knowledge that is related to Bure construction in the Tikina (District) of Nasinu in Ovalau was revitalized, safeguarded and transmitted to the younger generation in the district.

6. Conclusion

The project was successful as the objectives were achieved after threatened ICH was revitalized safeguarded and transmitted. This was evident in interest shown by participants and anticipation by members of the village to see the complete structure of the Fijian Bure in their village again. Feedback from participants was encouraging as they vowed to keep the tradition alive through construction of more bure’s in respective villages in the Tikina. There have been calls from other villages for similar projects to be carried out on the revitalization of their ICH. Another project has been planned for another Tikina in Ovalau that will involve carving and craft skills of women in the district. In the discussion that followed tourism project has been envisioned as the revitalized ICH can be expanded to be an income generating scheme. It is recommended that more funding be made available for similar projects that will ensure revitalization of traditional knowledge (ICH) in the rural areas of Fiji.


REVIVAL OF TRADITIONAL SKILLS

& HANDICRAFT DEVELOPMENT

Venue : Vuma and Vagadaci, Tikina Levuka, Ovalau

Date : 8 to 19 September 2008

1. Introduction

The Department of Culture and Heritage (DCH) with the assistance of the Fiji Arts Council conducted a two weeks workshop in traditional skills and knowledge for the Tikina of Levuka from the 8th to the 19th September 2008. The Workshops were conducted to raise their awareness and appreciation of these skills that are peculiar to the Tikina of Levuka.

Four of the five categories targeted the revival of traditional skills for women in voivoi skirt weaving and basket weaving and men’s skills in carving war clubs and traditional fencing. The handicraft development focused on developing the women’s skills in jewelry-making, using local resources.

The Workshops are the result of concerns raised in meetings with the representatives of the Levuka Tikina in Vuma Village on 14th August, 2008. The main concern raised was some cultural practices of the Tikina are on the verge of being lost because they are no longer practiced. The danger was that the people of the Tikina of Levuka could lose their cultural identity.

The Workshop addressed the revival of traditional skills and encouraged the people of the Tikina of Levuka to go back to their own skills and resources that are available locally. In return, the Workshops aimed at empowering local communities to remind themselves of their traditions and create opportunities to generate additional income.

The Workshops are also part of the ongoing work of the Department of Culture and Heritage towards listing Levuka as a World Heritage site.

Revival of Traditional Skills & Handicraft Development | 59

2. Objectives

The intention of the Workshops was to revive, develop and illustrate the relevance of traditional skills as a means for the people of the Tikina Levuka to retain their identity. In addition, the Workshops are a means of empowering local communities to remind themselves of their traditions and create opportunity to generate additional income.

An objective of the Fiji Arts Council under the Department of Culture and Heritage is to encourage the development of intellectual capacity of grassroots in acquiring both traditional and contemporary art and craft skills. This is indeed an opportunity to promote creativity and create socio-cultural and economic openings for them

The specific objectives of the Workshops are to:

re-establish handicraft and cultural skills significant to the people in the Tikina of Levuka;

demonstrate the history and cultural significance of the handicraft products and both their historical and modern day use;

build the link between the custodians and the younger generation to encourage the transmission of these traditional knowledge which are in danger of disappearing;

preservation of their particular family roles and responsibilities, its continual usage and observance (culture and traditions);

determine a profitable pricing structure (A request to the Community Based Tourism to assist in this program); and

Learn to appreciate and utilize their natural resources as means of great potentials and profitable talent, considering the fact that the raw materials are in great abundance.

Identify sustainable harvesting methods to ensure the ongoing availability of raw materials.

3. Workshop

A. Traditional Skills - Basket Weaving with Coconut Leaves

The Tikina of Levuka were renowned in the past as makers of handicrafts of different kinds using coconut leaves and these were exchanged during traditional ceremonies with mats produced by women from the surrounding islands of Lomaiviti. These were customary practices in the past and are no longer practiced nowadays, as majority of the women within the Tikina have lost the art and skills of making these unique handicrafts.

The basket-weaving Workshop involved women to bring


their own green coconut leaves and weave baskets peculiar to Levuka; these are baskets known as the ketekete and the voco used for carrying and carting food.

B. Traditional Skills - Skirt Weaving & Club Carving

The villages of Vagadaci and Vuma are the traditional warriors (Bati Balavu/ Bati Leka) of the Turaga na Tui Levuka and it is vital for the men of the two villages to realize the significance of their traditional roles as warriors. During the funeral ceremony of the Late Tui Levuka, the men from the two villages came face to face with the reality of proving their roles as warriors. The pandanus skirts were replaced with plastic ones and likewise for the war clubs which were not crafted into their unique shapes and design. This caused a sense of realization that the costumes also played an important role in differentiating them from everyone present at the funeral and therefore the need for this revival workshop.

For the skirt-weaving, pandanus leaves were used and the skill of weaving was taught. At the end of the Workshop, the women of Vuma and Vagadaci were able to weave complete voivoi skirt. Fresh coconut milk was also used by the weavers to soften the pandanus leaves, having the very last touches as traditionally done before completing a woven skirt.

For the carving of war clubs, the men brought native vau and vesi wood. They were taught the carving skills by one other own men folk. Various types of clubs were carved and at the end of the Workshop the twenty – five (25) men were able to displayed an array of 34 (thirty – four) different types of clubs, each having its own unique and purpose. The clubs were varnished to protect the wood.

C. Picket Fencing and Stone Sea Wall

The handicraft skill revival/ development workshop was incorporated with the fencing of the Late Tui Levuka’s Tomb, whereby villages have agreed to provide labour as their contribution to the project. The site is currently the Burial Grounds (Sautabu) of the Late Tui Levuka, Ratu Kolinio Rokotuinaceva and the area is cared


for by the local community who regard the shoreline and surrounding area as a whole, making up the cultural landscape.

The construction of the Sea Wall and Fencing was the result of the excellent craftsmanship and dedication of the men of Vuma in only two weeks of hard work. The project was like learning and awakening experience for the men of Vuma which will be mentioned over and over again all through their lives.

The thoughts will remain in their lives, which they will be proud of signifying their local history and focusing solely on the abundance of information reflecting the physical, biological and cultural significance with a diversity of flora and fauna including species typical of both inland and coastal environments

The local resident had clearly identified the Cultural and Natural significance of the site and is an outstanding natural area which is important part of their natural heritage with a combination of both cultural and scenic values. The site will also be a major Tourism attraction as time comes, since the Tomb lies on one of their Historical grounds in the village of Vuma.

D. Skills Development - Jewelry Making

The women were taught, using local materials such as seashells, local seeds, pandanus, vau strips, coconut sinnet in addition to earring accessories

bought from the shops. The 65 women were able to learn the skills for making jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, chokers and broaches. In addition to jewelry, the women were taught how to make wall-hangings and other decorative pieces

to beautify their homes. These skills were taught so that the women could be skilled in jewelry-making and other handicrafts that could generate income for them and ultimately lift or improve their own living standards and homes


4. Personnel

A. Participants

The participants at the Workshop were from the ten (10) villages of the Tikina of Levuka. Also attending the Workshop were the people for the settlements in Baba. There were five (5) participants from each village of Levuka-vakaviti, Vuma, Waitovu, Vagadaci, Toki, Vatukalo, Nauouo, Arovudi, Taviya and Rukuruku. The Baba settlements include Wailailai. The participants from Rukuruku, Taviya and Arovudi were billeted in Vagadaci during the one week and the other nearby villages traveled daily to the workshop venue.

Sixty (66) women participants attended jewelry-making, skirt-weaving and basket-weaving Workshops while twenty (24) men attended the club-carving and the fencing Workshops.

B. Resource Persons

Five resource people shared their extensive knowledge in the different genres of art and craft that they specialize in.

C. Varanisese Vauoro: (Jewellery Maker)

One of the driving forces behind recent developments in the crafts scene in Fiji, Varanisese specializes in coilage work incorporating natural fibers and sea shells in most of her art work. Gaining prominence as a contemporary craftswoman from the mid 1990s, she has been involved and participated in past craft fairs and exhibitions held around the country, organized by the Fiji Arts Council. Apart from participating in these annual events, she has been an asset in developing Jewellery making skills in handicraft workshops jointly organized by the Fiji Arts Council and the Community Based Tourism from the Ministry of Tourism. The two recent craft development workshop held in the beginning of this year, were from Molituva in Kuku, Tailevu and in Nakavu Village, Namosi.

Sharing her extensive knowledge of the unique art has been a great opportunity for the participants to learn the various stages of Jewellery making and the utilization of materials often regarded as ‘waste’ by many (voivoi waste, vau strips, local seeds, old beads, local sea shells). The need to learn these contemporary skills was proposed and endorsed in the Levuka Tikina Meeting which was held early this year in the village of Vuma on August 14th, 2008.

Even though the Tikina of Levuka has now the necessary knowledge and skills in coconut leaves handicraft making, the Jewellery making skills


taught will enhance the participants expertise further and teach new and creative designs which will enrich their society in a number of practical ways, strictly cultural ones, and commercial reasons that should most certainly be encouraged.

D. Luisa Naigasau and Seini Uarua (Coconut Leaves Handicraft Skills)

The two women are both from the village of Rukuruku in Ovalau and had their first experience in teaching the skills of basket weaving apart from their leisure times back home. They had learnt the skills from their mother and grand mothers in their young age and have continued to practice that skill to date. Basket weaving has been also been a source of income to both of them for they also sometimes sell to tourists and take orders from local customersand have both been proven best basket weavers in the Tikina of Levuka. Seini and Luisa had mentioned during their personal interviews, that this workshop had identified the importance of reviving the dying skill of coconut leaves weaving and the risk of its disappearance. The outstanding original value of

such skills will reaffirm the cultural identity of the people in the Tikina of Levuka of which they were renowned of in the past.

Both women were also confident that the weaving skills will continue as the large portions of participants were from the younger women who will be able to pass on the knowledge to future generation.

They also mentioned that learning the skills was a bit difficult for some participants because the one week training was not enough. More patterns were required to be taught, but this was not possible for them to share the knowledge because of time constraints.

E. Paula Ravutia (Club Carving)

Likewise for Paula Ravutia from the village of Vatukalo, was also his first experience in such workshop and has been satisfied to teach the skills to the men of the two villages (Vagadaci and Vuma) particularly to the younger generation as they are traditionally called the Batileka and Batibalavu to the Turaga Bale Na Tui Levuka Paula had mentioned that he was fortunate to acquire the skills from his late father which he believe that this is an obligation for him to practice and share the skills and knowledge to the men of the two villages, as his mother is a member of the Warrior Clan from the village of Vuma. He still recalls that he had once proved


himself in a woodcarving competition held during his school days which he won and has never regretted to have that talent which has contributed a lot to his skills and knowledge. Paula had also mentioned that he has benefited from the sales of his handicraft and has been able to support his family through woodcarving.

F. Ivamere Sokiveta (Voivoi Skirts Weaving)

Ivamere Sokiveta has practiced the weaving skills since her young age before she got married in the village of Vuma. The husband comes from the Batibalavu Clan and she also mentioned that she has also been blessed to have the knowledge and skills of weaving which has contributed a lot to her serving her traditional family roles in the vanua. The women of Vuma and Vagadaci were able to learn the skills in only a day, and have confirmed that acquiring the skills was substantial for them because they are borne into a very particular family roles and

responsibilities as warriors of the Turaga na Tui Levuka and is vital for them to realize the significance of their traditional rols as warriors.

G. The Institute of Fijian Language Team:

We had also engaged two project officers and photographers from the Institute of Fijian Language upon the request of the Department of Culture and Heritage for the collating, documenting of information and recording and video shooting on the one week’s workshop. This was also a follow up in the identification and documentation of indigenous knowledge and associated expressions collated by the Cultural Mapping Team in the various districts of Levuka. The two officers had conducted interviews whereby some of the participants shared their experiences in the aspects of their traditional skills learnt, especially on coconut leaves weaving and club carvings.

5. Logistics

A. Official Opening

Although there were two venues for the workshop, men, women and youths congregated in Vagadaci village on Monday morning, 8th September to witness the official opening by the Tui Vagadaci, Ratu Isoa Saqacala.

In his official address to the participants who were mainly youths, he encouraged and stressed the importance of fostering and preserving their cultures and traditions. Knowledge gained in the workshop would be a great


opportunity for the participants to experience something unique, beautiful, rare and authentic or of great significance that would provide a strong appeal for tourists in the near future.The participants were also told that they are fortunate for the financial assistance provided for by the Department of Culture and Heritage which will enable them to come together as a Tikina and share the traditional knowledge and skills that is almost in the verge of extinction such as the coconut leaves weaving and the carving of war clubs, the skills that they should be practicing all through their lives.

6. Venue

The Workshops for the women were held at Vagadaci village while the men’s Workshops were held at Vuma village. The two hosting villages were responsible for catering and accommodating their own participants in the duration of the workshop

7. Official closing

A proposal was put forward by the Department to the vanua that we defer the closing to a later date so that it coincides with the completion of the Sea Wall construction and Fencing of the Late Tui Levuka’s Burial Site.

The initial request by the ten (10) Malo Ni Tikina of Levuka that the Director Culture and Heritage to officiate the closing since the Tui Vagadaci had participated in the opening on their behalf.

This was not possible due to the last minute cancellation of Air Fiji flights to Levuka which had dissuaded the preliminary plans of the participants for further discussions regarding the Vuma Community Hall to be developed as their Cultural Center or mini museum.

The participation of the Provincial Administrator Lomaiviti, Ratu Eliki Tikoimainadraubuta was then requested by the Director Culture and Heritage to preside over the closing, was another opportunity for the villagers to meet and discuss with him other relative issues, as this was also his first official engagement in activities as such. The official closing and awarding of certificates was held in Vuma Village Hall on Wednesday 24th September, 2008 witnessed by more than the one hundred participants, including members of the Levuka Town Council, Levuka Heritage Committee members and other invited government officers serving in Levuka.

He was contented with the magnitude of work undertaken to organize such workshop, the level of participation and interest shown for the development and revival of handicraft skills in both coconut leaves weaving, club carvings and


Jewellery making, which will definitely contribute to the creation of village or self projects as income generating initiatives.

The Chief Guest had also commended the work done by the men of Vuma for the construction and fencing for the restoration of the Burial Grounds (Sautabu) of the Late Tui Levuka, Ratu Kolinio Rokotuinaceva which had clearly identified the

Cultural and Natural significance of the site as an outstanding natural area which is an important part of their natural heritage with a combination of both cultural and scenic values.

He also encouraged the participants to learn to appreciate and utilize their natural resources as means of great potentials and lucrative talent, considering the fact that raw materials are in great abundance.

The highlights of his closing address were that, the support of his Ministry for the further development of the Community Hall in Vuma was in the pipeline and this was received well by the participants. He was then invited by the vanua to officially open the new constructed Sautabu after a traditional presentation by the Vanua of Vuma.

The enormous work and the financial assistance of the Department of Culture and Heritage for the worthy cause were highly commended by the Chief Guest.

8. Budget

The Department of Culture and Heritage was able to allocate $14,692.00 towards the Revival/Development of Handicraft Skills for the one week workshop and $5,520.00 from the Levuka World Heritage Listing Funds, to cover expenses for the Sea Wall Construction and Fencing of the Late Tui Levuka’s Burial Site in the village of Vuma. All expenses details are highlighted in the Financial Statement attached to this report.


9. Hightlights

A major highlight of the Women’s workshop was a visit by the Manager of Flex Fiji, the retailer for Digicel. Mr Stephen Bleen visited the women and was greatly interested in their handcrafts. He purchased some handicrafts and this greatly encouraged the women to see that there is a market for their works. Mr Breen discussed the possibility of assisting further the women by supporting the sale of their works in Suva and also the possibility of sending two (2) women to Australia for the Fiji Day Celebrations to showcase the handicrafts of Levuka. This was met with welcome applause form the women. The Department of Culture and Heritage will follow up on the offer by Mr Bleen.

Another highlight mentioned during the Awarding of the Certificates function was the offer raised by Patterson Brothers Shipping, on the provisions of bringing tourists every two weeks to visit the Community Hall in Vuma and upon arrival village women from the Tikina Levuka will exhibit and sell local handicrafts to the tourists.

As mentioned by the Provincial Administrator in his official address during the closing, his ministry has also endorsed financial assistance towards the upgrading of the Vuma Community Hall, this was also acknowledged by the villages .

10. Outcomes

Participants

At the end of the Workshop, the participants were expected to deepen their cultural knowledge as well as being for educational transmission and reference for their future generation. They were also expected to revive their traditional coconut handicraft skills from two surviving custodians and realize benefits in terms of tourism, employment, learning new skills and trade.

In addition, the participants were to prepare themselves and get involved in tourism interpretations whilst Levuka becomes a World Heritage Site in the near future and also improve the authenticity and quality of handicraft products in villages. At the end of the Workshop, the participants were expected to learn new skills to identify and harvest raw materials for the handicrafts and learn the importance of team building and communication.

Department of Culture and Heritage

The awareness raising campaign is an initiative undertaken by the Department of Culture & Heritage for the preparation of the nomination of Levuka to the World Heritage Listing in the year 2010. It is an ongoing attempt to fulfill the objective of re- confirming to all the villages on Ovalau their roles towards the respect for their value systems, traditions, customs and beliefs and raising awareness on the importance of preserving, reviving their traditional skills in both tangible and intangible heritage and developing their cultural and natural resources for the creation of employment and income generation to the community.


The major challenge now for the Department is to work effectively with all stakeholders in the Government Ministries and Non-Governmental Organizations for their stronger commitment and leadership to enforce effective regulations to protect the communities Cultural Heritage from development threats and to understand the needs and importance of cultural heritage conservation for tourism whilst at the same time upholding its significances and values.

11. Evaluation

The analysis of the project results indicates that there are vast opportunities available in promoting the crafts sector as a way to improve their living standards and have additional source of income

12. Recommendation

It was obvious that by conducting such community workshop in Levuka as a pilot project that the Departments Culture’s role in the Cultural authenticity component is an important issue to be seriously considered. It is suggested that similar workshops to be conducted in the other three Tikinas in Ovalau since their request have been submitted to SPO Levuka.

Working intimately with the Ministry of Tourism in the Cultural Heritage Tourism segment is vital, as this will also build up to strengthening the commitment and leadership of other Government Ministries to enforce effective regulations to protect cultural heritage from development threats. Improving the links with the Tourism Sector will positively contribute to the profitability of craft production.

This also applies to other non- government organizations and stakeholders are requested to come on board, those that are actively associated and play a key role to assist the communities in the development of sustainable tourism that will strengthen the bonds between their rich heritage and its aspiration for the future.

Ongoing awareness for the public at large to have innovative understanding the values of historic sites, participating in public art and craft programs such as mini cultural festivals, and special cultural events such as Back to Levuka Programs, are essential ingredients of a successful agenda of cultural heritage tourism

A follow up to be made with the Regional Development Office on the funding mentioned by the Provincial Administrator for the upgrading of Vuma Hall, Patterson Brothers on their offer for tourists visit to Vuma Village and also with Digicel Company regarding the assisting the women further by supporting the sale of their works in Suva and also the possibility in Australia.


13. Conclusion

The workshop was very successful, and we as organizes had confirmed that we had achieved the best since the project also promoted solidarity, and pride amongst the participants. The older men and women participants spoke of their enjoyment in seeing the youth engage in the revival of their traditional weaving skills and club carving, which definitely be transferred to the next generation. The participants had shown a wide range of knowledge and clarified their own creative ideas, especially in Jewellery making. Teamwork among the different participants and the workshop trainers, contributed to an atmosphere of solidarity and the recognition of highly technical nature of craft- making gave them a renewed sense of pride in their work. The skills and knowledge acquired from the workshop, the participants as artisans not simply conserve cultural heritage but also enrich and adapt this heritage for the contemporary needs of societies they belong to. Through this project, new ideas were disseminated and financial resources and assistance from other organizations were identified, providing and encouraging other financial contributions showing their interest in the projects. It is therefore evident that the project will generate employment opportunities and also provide new income that will enhance economic performance and lift their standard of living. In addition, the project will also have a great impact on youth retention of slowing the urban drift, as job will be readily available to them in the villages. The concept of combining interaction of the various communities working towards a common goal is a great indication of promising ecotourism venture in the whole Tikina of Levuka. And considering on what the Tikina of Levuka has on the ground now, promoting of their local cultures and customs, through tourism can be a tool to prolong and sustain their identity. This is also a first step towards becoming an active participant in the preservation process, by teaching their children the unique and irreplaceable value of their heritage which will help future generations learn how important it is to care for their heritage. To conclude, I would personally acknowledge the assistance and contribution of all the Departmental Staff / Volunteers, the Fiji Arts Council and the Institute of Fijian Language in making this workshop a great success.


KUTA WEAVING SKILLS WORKSHOP Tikina Macuata | Seaqaqa | Dreketi | Sasa

4 to 8 May 2009

1. Introduction

The Cultural Enhancement Program of the Department of Culture and Heritage aims at promoting cultural industries at the grassroots level through Festivals, Exhibitions, Promotions and Workshops. Although the concept has been in existence, the challenge vests with the implementations as the indigenous people vary in their cultural heritage. Thus an approach taken in the beginning of this year, was to pilot the program with the Province of Macuata. The focus on Macuata originated out of the Tui Macuata’s being a representative of the Vanua and Chiefs of Fiji in the recent Festival of Pacific Arts held in American Samoa in 2008. Having witnessed the level of presentations of skills and talents from the Fiji delegation, the Turaga Tui Macuata was inspired to encourage the people of Macuata towards the promotion of cultural practices, revival of lost skills and knowledge and encourage local festivals as a means of promoting cultural practices and also offer opportunities for the people of Macuata showcase their skills and talents which could in turn be a source of income right at the household level.

1) 2009 Proposals for Macuata Province As being the Senior Cultural Development Officer, I was assigned the important task of creating a collaboration of all stakeholders and soliciting views from those concerned within the Province of Macuata in mid February, 2009 before any implementation activity was pursued. Briefings were held with the Roko Tui Macuata and the Women’s Interest Officers under the Ministry of Women, Northern, to provide an overview of the program, consider and confirm a calendar of events for 2009 and enhance collaboration through mobilization of resources. My visit to the Northern Division was so timely that the first round District Meetings within the Province of Macuata was scheduled the following week. I was privileged to be part of the Government Delegation attending the 12 District Meetings from 26/2- 14/3/09, promulgating the objectives of the program and soliciting the support of the villages.

Kuta Weaving Skills Workshop | 71

2) Highlights from the Awareness Campaign The following issues were gathered from the awareness in the eight (8) out of the twelve (12) district meetings attended: The hive of tourism activities currently being undertaken along the northern coastline of Macuata proved an opportune platform for setting up cultural enterprises; The need to develop local heritage

sites for Eco- Tourism purposes; The need for handicraft, such as

jewelry making, screen printing and performing art development in already established tourism outlets (Druarua Island and Udu Point);

The need to organize community based workshop on Kuta weaving for younger women in the four districts of Macuata, Seaqaqa, Dreketi and Sasa;

The need for a revival of woodcarving and traditional costumes (pandanus skirts) skills workshop in the District of Namuka;

Identifying traditional practices of certain provinces that are slowly dying out or not practiced anymore.

2. Objectives

The intention of the workshop was to develop and illustrate the relevance of traditional skills as a means for the people of the four districts (Macuata, Seaqaqa, Dreketi and Sasa) to retain their identity. In addition, the workshop is a means of empowering women and youths to remind themselves of their traditions and create opportunities to generate additional income. The three main objective of the workshop are highlighted as follows aiming at: Traditional Skills and Resources within the community

- To identify traditional skills that belongs to each indigenous community; - To identify resource persons who are

owners of traditional skills within the community;

- To identify and develop natural resources within those communities to be used to create and produce authentic handicrafts.

Skills Impartation - To impart to other members of the

community who have the knowledge of their own traditional skills;

- To develop other skills that are not traditional to that community;


- To enable incoming- generation at the village level and upgrade their standard of living;

- Maintaining traditional skills of weaving for future generation; - To strengthen cultural sustainability within their communities. Market - To identify and develop markets for the products produced by these communities.

3. Workshop Kuta Mat Weaving Skills Workshop With the success of the District Council Meetings attended, the first workshop was held at Seaqaqa from 4th - 8th May to involve young women from the 39 villages within the Districts of Macuata, Seaqaqa, Dreketi and Sasa. The need for the one week workshop was the request of the Turaga Tui Macuata, as Kuta mats is traditionally renowned as being one of the traditional craft of his province. The raw materials are a surplus in the four districts, yet the skill to utilize these is minimal. It has been a practice that only older women are engaged in kuta weaving and it has come a time that the traditional skills is passed on to the younger women at village level. It is a fact that the elderly in rural villages’, men and women are currently the main guardians of traditional cultures and skills in the different provinces in Fiji. Losing these skills, would mean a big loss for future generation who are at present still ignorant to the value of preserving their traditional heritage.

During the District of Macuata Meeting, the Traditional Head of the Province of Macuata reiterated his call for the promotion of cultural heritage at the provincial level and that the grassroots to be reinvigorated in developing and enhancing their traditional skills. As also highlighted in his official address, ‘Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the church, the vanua, and the village family unit. At present, there is a real need to preserve our customs and traditions for our future generations which will be lost if we are not vigilant enough for its preservation, for it is each and everyone’s responsibility that it remains intact at all times’


4. Logistics

1) Pre-preparation of the Workshop Prior to the planning process of the workshop a structure was implemented to specify roles and responsibilities of the organizing team that involved both the Department of Culture and the Macuata Provincial Office personnel. The major roles of the Macuata Team headed by the Roko responsible were, involving the participation of young women representing the 39 villages, indicating specific activities & tasks, providing logistical support to the DCH Team and consulting with other government and relevant stakeholders to enable us achieve the best for the preparation of the one week workshop, all logistics were put in place before the workshop commenced. Assistant Roko Peni Rakanace and the Youth Worker Macuata had liaised with the district representatives and village headmen of the 39 villages to identify two participants from each village, arrange for their transports, identify five master-weavers trainers, preparation of venue and accommodation centre and caterers. Each participant was required to prepare for their own beddings and raw materials for weaving as part of their contribution towards their training. Not all villages were represented as most young women were engaged in the yearly Provincial Methodist Conference held at the same week. The 55 participants all converged at the Seaqaqa Secondary College on Monday morning the 4th of May where they were also billeted for the week. Having Seaqaqa College as venue was appropriate and centralized due to the physical locations of participating villages within the four districts. Participants were provided with transport from their various villages to the venue as this was one of the major problems faced during the workshop as most represented villages are not accessible by normal bus routes, therefore using mini carriers was the only option for their transportation. Members of the Assembly of God Church community living close by the school compound were requested to cater for the week.

2) Official Opening The Roko Tui Macuata, Mr. Sitiveni Lalibuli who had just resumed office upon transfer from the Bua Provincial Office, was invited to officiate the opening of the workshop who had reminded the participants the importance of learning their renowned traditional skills and if neglected, it will surely be lost. Participants were reminded that indigenous people belong to a vanua, yavusa and mataqali and have shared aspects of lives in its cultures and traditions. Elders are renown in their different cultural knowledge and skills in the different provinces in Fiji. It is their roles that these skills are made known and shared to their younger generations for


their betterment in the future. ‘Knowing and practicing kuta weaving skills will enable you as participants open doors to money-making development from your homes which will surely assist you great deal in your every day living’

The Ministry of Women, Women Interest Officers were also present in the opening, who later shared with the participants the needs of having closer collaborations in their future programs that will focus on their upcoming visionary plans for local handicraft marketing. Participants were also highlighted on their Northern Craft Fair Program which is scheduled for 11th – 12th June, 2009, encouraging them to participate in the two days event.

After the Official Opening, one of the Resource ladies, Lusiana Turagasau from the village of Korovuli had demonstrated the basic stages of kuta harvesting, ways and means for longer and better preservation to maintain the golden color and texture of the raw material. The traditional and natural processes of preserving the harvested kuta is very important so the availability of raw material will always be in abundance when required by the weavers all throughout the year because harvesting months are only from March- June every year.

3) Daily Programs The first day program opened with a registration program and each participant was issued with their ID Cards .Before the commencement of the fist day’s session, participants were divided into five groups led by each trainer, ensuring that each group consisted of both younger and older participants enabling them to share their knowledge and skills during the programs. Each day begun at 8.30am with morning devotion likewise at 5.00pm, closing the days program. The session on skills impartation was conducted during the day with the first session in the morning, the second session after morning


tea and final session after lunch.

Lectures were also incorporated into the workshop program for traditional roles and obligations of the community. The older women were requested to advice and teach younger members of their traditional knowledge and history. From the Department’s perspective these lectures are to give younger members of the community better view of where their history and to let them appreciate their inheritance and their heritage. The lectures raises the awareness on the importance of preserving, reviving the traditions and culture in both tangible and intangible heritage.

4) Official Closing The participation of the Manager Northern Development Program (NDP), Mr. Waisele Tuidama was a great opportunity for the participants and other stakeholders present during the official closing, as he had discussed and highlighted the various issues consisting financial assistance offered in their programs, particularly micro- entrepreneurs in enhancing their livelihoods. The National Centre for Small and Micro Enterprises Development (NCSMED) is the implementing agency for the NDP program operating in Labasa. The Chief Guest in his official address highlighted the importance of transferring the traditional skills of weaving Kuta to the younger generation because both Macuata and Bua are renown of the traditional mat and its part of their heritage. He further stressed that, ‘Handicraft products made from kuta such as mats, wedding costumes, table mats and other craft accessories is highly marketable in Tonga, United States of America and other Pacific Islands. I am urging you today, to make use of these market opportunities. With the knowledge and skills acquired from this project, will be able to foster the development of your productive capacities to generate income and increase trade in creative products and services.’


After the awarding the workshop participating certificates, participants were offered forms to request for potential entrepreneurship assistance through the Northern development Program. The two representatives from FRIEND and FTIB were also given time slots to highlight the potential market assistances from their organizations. The presence of both offices in Labasa will assist them further to alleviate their market access problems as confirmed by both reps.

5. Personnel

1) Resource Women The resource women as trainers were renown of their skills in their own districts and have also showcased their products and participated in the 2006 Melanesian Festival, Wasawasa Festivals 2008 and various Craft Fairs organized by the Fiji Arts Council around the country.. They were Lusiana Turagasau (65yrs) and Ditui Raqere (58yrs.) from Korovuli, Sereima Divavan i(63yrs) and Melaia Sewasewa (62yrs.) from Navakasobu villages.


The youngest of the five trainers, Leba Tudravu who is 28 years old, from the village of Naravuka had been highly recommended by the Fiji Arts Council in her participation in the Wasawasa Festival held last year. Her participation in this workshop had encouraged the younger women to acquire the skills. The five women were also given time to share their experiences in their affections in knowing the art which has

contributed a great deal financially in their family lives. As lamented by Leba, ‘Kuta mats is the traditional mat where I come from (she hails from Bua), my practicing the art represents a very valuable form of my cultural expression, a wealth of self confidence which has contributed to my everyday living. Learning the weaving from my maternal grandmother in the age of sixteen (16) has taken me to a standard that I will never regret and I will always thank God for the knowledge He has blessed me with. I have participated in National events to represent Macuata, and have won awards which I had never thought to receive.’

She also highlighted that she has been selected to represent Fiji in the Commonwealth Natural Fiber Skills Workshop in Bangalore, India from 21st – 24th June, 2009, which will be another milestone in her life if attended.

2) Participants The target groups were younger women and youths- 56 participants consisting of one male represented the 39 villages in the four districts of Macuata, Seaqaqa, Sasa and Dreketi. It was an opportunity to work together and know each other well to share their experiences in the one week. It was expected that the 39 villages consisting the four districts would attend but unfortunately, most women were involved in their Annual Methodist Meeting which was concurrently held with the workshop.

Mr. Mataiasi Qaroro from the village of Niurua as the only male participant had demonstrated his stupendous skills which had amazed everyone in the workshop. He acquired the skills of weaving from his maternal grandmother who hailed from the village of Navakasobu where Mataiasi was brought up in his young days, and continued to embrace it. He reminisced the magnificent times when he accompanied his grandmother in harvesting the raw material from the kuta ponds in Navakasobu and later showing him the various stages and methods of its preservation.

‘My acquiring the unique skills from her was like a lifetime fortune which I had continued to embrace since then which has enriched and adapted my knowledge to weave contemporary pieces such as wedding costumes for both


the bride and bridegroom pieces, apart from the normal kuta mats.’ I have been married for some years and have assisted my wife in her role as a housewife, contributing in family and vanua functions.’

Mataiasi had showcased some of his unique pieces, ranging from davodavo to vakabati even astounding the trainers of the designs used were not known to them.

‘One of my main reasons to attend this one week training is to know the round shaped mat and also try and encourage the younger women that the more they practice the art, the better they will achieve which will provide greater opportunities for income generation in your households ‘

6. Budget

The Department of Culture and Heritage was able to allocate $7,000.00 to cover all expenses required to organize the one week workshop. All expenses details are highlighted in the Financial Statement attached to this report.

7. Hightlights from the workshop

The workshop was able to train young indigenous women of the 39 villages and had contributed to their empowerment to focus on small and medium enterprises to improve the livelihoods by developing economic activities to generate income

Participants were offered forms to request for potential entrepreneurship assistance through the Northern development Program


To enable the organizers to identify the outstanding participants who had demonstrated their best in learning the weaving skills with an intention to develop and promote them further through other cultural entrepreneurial activities collaborated through the Fiji Arts Council

Potential market assistance from FTIB and FRIENDS. The presence of both offices in Labasa will alleviate their problem

The participants were invited to participate in other integrated government programs such as the Northern Craft Fair scheduled for 11th – 12th June organized by the Ministry of Women and the Pacific Youth Festival to be hosted by Fiji from 13th – 18th July in Suva. The younger women who had participated are live members of the Macuata Youth Group and multi skilled in other cultural activities which are trying to showcase as a Macuata Contingent for the upcoming Pacific Youth Festival


8. Other meetings attended

Presentations and consultations were also held soon after the week of the workshop as invitation were received by the Department to present at the Cakaudrove, Bua Macuata Youth Rally on 12th May, in the Macuata Provincial Council Meeting on 13th-14th May and traveling to Druadrua Island with the Manager Community Based Tourism on 14th- 15th May for consultation as a follow up request in the recent Tikina Namuka meeting.

1) Presentation at the Cakaudrove, Bua Macuata Youth Rallyon12th May at Qomate

Building

Listeners in the meeting were office bearers and reps of the Association from various villages within the three Provinces under the leadership of Assistant Roko Peni Rakanace in the Macuata Provincial Office. The main agenda of the meeting was the preparation of youths from the three provinces to showcase their talents in meke, handicraft skills and other cultural activities in the upcoming Youth Festival hosted by Fiji in July, 2009. In particular for Macuata was a partnership drive with the Provincial Office Macuata towards the result for the Turaga na Tui Macuata’s request during the last Pacific Festival of Arts in American Samoa, which was later endorsed by the Minister for Education Culture & Arts to develop and protect Macuata’s culture and heritage as part of the Government’s ‘Look North Policy’. The manager Foundation Rural and Integrated Enterprise N Development (FRIEND) was also invited to do a presentation during the meeting. FRIEND is a registered non- government organization administering community programs for unemployed and rural women. The Organization works with the various community around Fiji to create income generation programs, and to help empower individuals and communities both socially and economically. Their major concerns are Food Security, Environment Conservation and Health.

2) Presentation at the Macuata Provincial Meeting 13th -14th May at Kytria Hall

The three main issues highlighted during the presentation that required the endorsement of the Provincial Council were :

The establishment of the Provincial Heritage Committee The request for establishment for a Provincial Center for Culture and Arts to

provide a space for showcasing of cultural traditions, craft demonstrations and an outlet for cultural resources for the entire province of Macuata

The request to preserve potential Heritage sites for development and attractions. Resource Owners are to be aware of such heritage sites when allowing such pieces of land to be leased

The establishment for a Provincial Heritage Committee was unanimously agreed and endorsed by the Council. The following were elected to be members of the Committee,


RatuTevita Roqica as Chairman who is also a member of the Provincial Council,Turaga na Tui Mali, Turaga Tui Sawana, Mata ni Tikina of Udu, Namuka and Dreketi. It was also highlighted in the Provincial Council meeting that discussions and consultations are continuing for the need to allow a space for a Cultural Centre within the existing Provincial Building Complex. There is an existing building already in the complex to begin with, but constructing a Fijian Bure would be very important to showcase the cultural skills of indigenous men, women and youths of the entire Province of Macuata.

3) Consultation Meeting with the Vanua in Druadrua Island

A discussion was held in the village of Druadrua with the village elders who had raised the following requests: The urgent need to have proper training in customer services and tour guiding to

ensure that visitors are given the real Fijian experience while in their Island. This can also be considered as an opportunity for exchange amongst the locals and the visitor.

The use of their natural resources around them is in great abundance, yet the skills to utilize these are very minimal or have been lost. There is urgent need to revive their traditional skills and knowledge such as wood carving and traditional costumes for the tourism markets which have been established through the Blue Lagoon Cruises. This ensures handicrafts authenticity which can be value added to benefit both the locals and their customers.

It was highlighted in the meeting that such training to involve members of the community in the entire district of Namuka, consisting (11) eleven villages. This is cost effective to government which is also a training policy of the Department of Culture.

The need to improve on infrastructural standards and their village facilities such as rest- rooms, footpaths, etc.

The need to build a Fijian Bure for traditional Fijian activities that will be a very significant tourism icon for Druadrua Island.

The need to upgrade and improve their Fijian dances and using their traditional costumes such as pandanus skirts is a must to use rather then sulu- vakatoga.

The villages had also highlighted long standing land issues for Tourism Development that needed urgent attention.

With the integrated approach done by the Department of Culture and the Community Based Tourism on this visit, is a way forward for the villages to ensure the communities gain the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully create and operate legal and profitable business entities within their communities. It must be noted that this community based tourism effort in Druadrua Island has the support of the private sector in terms of tourism market supply (i.e Blue Lagoon Cruises). Further more, the training mentioned are vital to such projects to enable them to be equipped with tools, knowledge and abilities necessary to sustain the creation and operation of successful tourism. Villages have agreed that the workshop be held in July.


9. Recommendations

Working closely with relevant Ministries and Non- Government Organizations, such

as Community Based Tourism, Ministry of Women, Commissioner Northern, Ministry of Youth, Macuata Provincial Office and Northern Development Program are very important to strengthen their commitment and leadership to enforce effective regulations to protect and support cultural heritage and tourism development.

Continuous consultations and coordination with the various Ministries for the establishment for a Macuata Provincial Centre for Culture and Arts Building. The need to build a Fijian Bure for traditional and other multifunctional activities that will be a very significant Fijian Traditional icon for Macuata.

Working in collaboration with the newly established Provincial Heritage Committee is very important to enable them to work effectively with other stakeholders in the Northern Division for their commitment and taking a leading role for any cultural heritage activities earmarked for Macuata

Working with the Ministry of Women in Labasa through the Macuata Provincial Office for the scheduled Northern Craft Fair and with the Ministry of Youth for the request of Macuata Youths participation in the Pacific Youth Festival, hosted by Fiji in July ,2009

Endorsing requests from other districts(Namuka and Udu Districts) for similar craft revival/ development based on the needs identified by the communities themselves, before bringing the entire Province to participate in the proposed Adi Babasiga Festival in October, 2009

It is recommended that members of the communities who had participated in craft development workshops to undergo business training to prepare them to start and operate their own businesses. These trainings are part of the Northern Development Program (NDP) which is free of charge. This will also be an opportunity for the participants to maintain the standards, quality, and value added for their products.

The Fiji Arts Council to ensure that names of participants who had acquired and demonstrated their best in learning and identified during such workshops are incorporated in their already established craft database with an intention to develop and promote them further through other cultural entrepreneurial activities collaborated through the Fiji Arts Council

Strengthen relationship and network with the identified potential markets such as FTIB and FRIENDS in Labasa for the benefit of local craft producers in ways of maintaining the authenticity, quality, quantity and consistency of their products supplies once markets are established.

10. Conclusions

The one week workshop has been a very successful one and had witnessed the commitment of each participant in trying to learn the skills of weaving, especially the younger women who demonstrated their own creativities in addition to Kuta mats weaving utilizing off-cuts of the materials. It has been revealed that the workshop was a way forward for the participants to encourage them to utilize their natural resources to support them in the development


of micro and small enterprises to raise their standards of living, particularly in making use of the readily available markets identified during the workshop. Working as a team with the Macuata Provincial Officers had created an atmosphere of commonality among the participants and the team spirit illustrated was commendable, surely that had contributed a great deal in achieving the goals of the training. The contribution and assistance of each and everyone in the Ministry and the Department is highly acknowledged.


SALT MAKING AND CRAFT WORKSHOP Tikina Malomalo, Nadroga

1. Introduction

It is vital to consider all our heritage values when making decisions that will affect the future of a place, both natural and cultural issues that relates to the conservation of cultural values that may affect the selection of appropriate conservation processes, actions and strategies for the place’s natural values. The conservation and preservation of indigenous heritage places are places that a group of people believe they should protect for the benefit of its future generation to better understand the nature of their physical world and how they might live within its means. The Tikina Malomalo in Nadroga, were renowned for salt making production, a skill which is now dying. Salt was used as a traditional format for exchange, as practiced by their forefathers in the past and has now ceased to be utilized and replaced by modern commodities such as kerosene. Other craft skills learned in the one week’s workshop included jewellery making out of local shells and materials, screen printing and flower arrangements. The knowledge gained from the workshop will be an opportunity to link into other income generating activities in tourism developments especially around the Coral Coast such as Natadola Beach.

Salt Making and Craft Workshop | 87

2. Aims and Objectives

Taking into consideration their need to learn the processes of new crafts skills along with their knowledge, and creativity, the Fiji Arts Council under the auspices of the Department of Culture & Heritage identified the importance of reviving the dying art of salt making and the risk of its disappearance. The outstanding root value of salt making will reaffirm the cultural identity of the peoples and communities concerned. The 45 participants, a large proportion of which were made up of youths from the eight villages in the Tikina Malomalo benefited greatly from the workshop, thus, justifying the followings: Providing participants with a sense of

belonging to a place which connects and help them to define their distinctive identity as custodians and caretakers of a unique art.

Enable the younger generation to learn their traditional art that was unique to their forefathers, so not to let their tradition and skills fade away with the inclusion of modern commodities.

In learning the art of salt making, the

people of Malomalo will continue to foster and preserve their traditional knowledge and skills that will contribute to the creation of village or self projects as an income generating initiative.

To maintain the pride of salt making

amongst members of the Tikina Malomalo. Learn to appreciate and utilize their natural

resources as means of great potentials and lucrative talent, considering the fact that the raw materials are in great abundance.

Learn subsidiary skills that would

supplement existing traditional practices, however, on the verge of disappearance, in terms of economic survival, in the long haul. For instance, screen printing, jewellery making, and flower arrangement.

Enhance the transmission of traditional knowledge to the younger generation.


3. Official Opening

The Roko Tui Nadroga/Navosa, Mr Lote Naikasewa, was invited by representatives of Malomalo Tikina to officiate the opening of the one week workshop which begun on 24th January 2005. In his official address, to the participants, who were mainly youths, he encouraged and stressed the importance of fostering and preserving their cultures and traditions. Knowledge gained in the workshop would be a chance for the participants to experience something unique, beautiful, rare, and authentic or of great cultural significance that would provide a strong appeal for tourists in the near future. He also encouraged youths to be aware of the fact that life in the rural villages is beyond compare and communal existence in the villages is to be appreciated and viewed that the rural community setup are the basis of conservation and existence of our Fijian tradition and culture.

4. Participants

The involvement of 32 youths out of the total 45 participants who represented the eight villages encompassing the Tikina Malomalo (ie: villages of Naidiri,Malomalo, Nalele, Navisabasaba, Vusama, Batiri, Sanasana and Togovula) identified the interest that existed in the aforementioned age group within the community. They were divided into three main groups; group members represented the various villages that were tasked to learn the skill and later pass on to non-attendees within their own villages.


DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE VARIOUS SKILLS

SKILLS

VILLAGE OF SANASANA

NAVISA- BASABA

BATIRI NALELE NAIDIRI MALO MALO

TOGOBULA

VUSAMA NAEVUEVU

SCREEN PRINTING

7 3 3 5 3 6 1 4

JEWELLERY MAKING

1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1

FLOWER ARRANGE- MENT

7 3 3 5 3 6 1 4

SALT MAKING

8 5 4 7 5 8 2 5 1

Each village was represented in the four main level of art genre that was taught. These include screen printing, local shell jewelry and flower arrangements. The art of salt making was considered of high importance; hence, participants were required to watch the demonstrations presented by the two ladies who were the only surviving members of the clan renowned for the practice of the latter many years ago.


5. Resource Persons

Five resource people shared their extensive knowledge in the different genres of art and craft that they specialize in:

Seniloli Tora: (Shell Jewelry Making) - one of the

driving forces behind recent developments in the crafts scene in Fiji, Seniloli specializes in coilage work incorporating natural fibers and shell in most of her art works. Gaining prominence as a contemporary craftswoman in the 1970’s, she represented Fiji at several overseas art events. In the past, her works have won awards in most art and craft exhibitions organized by the Fiji Arts Council. She also runs her own jewelry shop at the Suva Flea Market.

Samuela Cabe: (Screen Printing on Fabric) -

specializes in screen printing and hand painting on different fabrics. He portrays his unique styles in joyful and colorful form so that his work is often distinguished as an extension of his own creativity. From his home based environment, Samu has developed his own screen printing business which has appealed to most local and overseas fabric buyers. He won the 2003 Contemporary Crafts Person of the Year Award and exhibits regularly through out Suva, Lautoka, Nadi and also has a small outlet in the Garden City in Raiwai, Suva.

Samu was part of the Fiji Delegation to the 9th Pacific Festival of Arts held in Palau in 2004.

Adriu Naivalu: (Flower Arrangement) – has participated in many flower

shows conducted in the City and has been in the business for sometimes where he has proven his ability and creativity of this art in many public functions such as marriages, birthday parties or exhibitions he is invited to do the decors. This had also been an eye opener for the participants that flower arrangements are practiced by both women and men as a form of income generating in the business market.

Milinia Naisamu and Sereima Ronikai

(Salt Making)-

The participants were fortunate to learn the skills from the only two surviving members of the clan, both 80 and 72 years old respectively and have practiced the art in their young days.


Sharing their skills and knowledge, transmitted by their parents, to the youths of the Tikina, was a great desire for them to achieve before they die. Sereima reminisced her young days whilst sharing her knowledge with the youths. It was like a wake up call for the youths of Malomalo, but a mission to be accomplished by the two sisters, just as Sereima lamented:

‘ It is a wish that I had to

accomplish before God calls me….. The original village of Naidiri was here before we actually moved to this new sight. I was only 25years old then, the last time I practiced the art of salt making with my late mother…… Salt was a local product used as a form of gift exchange during ceremonial occasions with other Vanuas such as marriages with people from inland areas.’

6. Materials used

Screen printing – fabric (new or used plain fabric), paint, screen (x-ray film, screen printing board. Participants were taught how to create and shape their own boards, prior to cutting the screens and painting resulting in the final product. Jewellery making – sea shells, bark of vau tree, sinnet, pandanus leaves, local seeds, coconut shells. Flower Arrangements – oasis, flowers, stem of banana trees, bamboo stems, molded soil. Salt making – raw materials and resources is unique only to the salt making site in Tikina Malomalo.


7. Official closing

The Assistant Minister for Culture & Heritage, Hon. Nanise Nagusuca presided over the closing ceremony for the workshop on Friday 28th January, 2005. It was the Minister’s first official engagement with the Fiji Arts Council, and was quite at awe with the magnitude of work undertaken to organize such workshop, the level of participation and interest shown and most importantly the preservation and revival of a very important intangible cultural heritage of the Tikina Malomalo, i.e. salt making. The workshop was blessed with the presence of the Roko Tui Nadroga/ Navosa, the Film and TV Unit of the Ministry of Information whose presence at the workshop was beneficial as they were able to create video footages of the site where raw materials for salt making is extracted, and the processes with which that is utilized to create the end product – masima (salt).


8. Budget

The Department of Culture & Heritage was able to allocate $ 6, 000.00 from the Cultural Grants to cater for all expenses incurred for the one week workshop. All expenses details are highlighted in the Financial (Statement attached to this report).

9. Recommendation

The workshop was fruitful as the following constructive comments and suggestions were made by participants, observers, and the Department of Culture & Heritage: Involvement of the Department of Mineral Resources to make a mineral impact

analysis /study of the salt site so that new products of the current end products is created enhancing other sectors of our economy. For instance, the possibility of creating manure from salt. Also the Fiji Meat Board can be involved since salt can be used to preserve cow skin for the creation of Fiji leather, a renowned raw material for most fiber products.

Enhancing and developing the present site and status of salt making so that it can be used as form of attracting tourists in the area.

Recommendation to Fiji’s Heritage Subcommittee to study the salt-raw material site so that it can be properly preserved and safeguarded for future generations.

A follow-up study by the Fiji Arts Council to evaluate the progress of its initial objective prior to its visit and or facilitation of the workshop at the Tikina Malomalo.

The Fiji Arts Council through the Department of Culture & Heritage can work closely with the Eco-Tourism unit of the Ministry of Tourism to develop strategies that could enhance and utilize the skills that participants have gained at the workshop in a constructive manner such as the setting up of micro-tourism enterprises (the village of Malomalo has some initiatives of such nature in place, however, there needs support from government and non-government stakeholders e.g. Village hall which is currently under construction).


List of Participants Malomalo Village

o Sanaila Navuasai o Solomoni Nahula o Lorima Naisilo o Milinia Tuitavuki o Asena Vulimakosoi o Weku Ratumainaceva o Lavenia Volotui o Nanise Meli

Naidiri Village

o Miriama Bakewa o Vani Talei o Meli Bete o Ana Tuvounikaya o Losalini Navuga

Navisabasaba Village

o Kelera Kunauwa o Anare Rakuro o Salote Vasutoga o Mere Narabe o Mereisi Bainivalu

Nalele Village

o Anare Galuvakadua o Iliesa Ratuva o Tevita Vueti o Tevita Huna o Emosi Navonowale o Silina Tolua o Miliakere Adisusu


Batiri Village

o Maikeli Sova o Semi Tuidraki o Elenoa Nakita o Mereani Namoumou.

Vusama Village

o Saini Naivalulevu o Naina Loqavono o Taraivini Nakure o Livia Raitala o Joeli Kunaleca

Sanasana Village

o Reavi Nahemira o Serupepeli Moceituba o Esava Tubu o Vika Ciri o Reijieli Senivesi o Laniana Tubailagi o Vaseva Doro o Adi Vasiti Ranadi

Togobula Village

o Apisaki Kasatoka o Sailosi Naewe

Naevuevu Village

o Ema Locoloco

annex 1 workshop report - ichcap€¦ · four of the five categories targeted the revival of...

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