Children learn Lau’s traditional arts

Children are learning to print masi and weave liku in a workshop designed to carry Lau’s traditional knowledge into the next generation.

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The children are learning the traditional way of making masi, understanding the patterns, and also learning how to weave liku. We want them to know where these traditions come from and to continue practising them in the future.

The Fiji Museum organised the programme with the Veiqia Project, bringing children and older generations together through traditional arts and crafts. Alongside practical instruction, the workshop introduces the history and cultural meaning behind each craft.

Masi printing teacher Laijipa Sukulu is sharing techniques preserved across generations. “The children are learning the traditional way of making masi, understanding the patterns, and also learning how to weave liku. We want them to know where these traditions come from and to continue practising them in the future.”

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We need to teach the young people because if we do not pass this knowledge on, the tradition could be lost. We want the children to learn, appreciate it, and hopefully pass it on to the next generation.

Sukulu said teaching young people is necessary to prevent the traditions from disappearing. Liku weaving instructor Joana Veitala Sekinairai likewise said early instruction could help keep the skill within Fiji’s cultural heritage. “Liku weaving is part of our culture, and the children must learn these skills from a young age. By teaching them now, we can help ensure this knowledge continues and is carried forward.”

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Liku weaving is part of our culture, and the children must learn these skills from a young age. By teaching them now, we can help ensure this knowledge continues and is carried forward.