A Year 6 student is making a name for herself when it comes to traditional weaving.

Unaisi Rokovusolo, who just started weaving last year, won second prize on Monday during the Narocake Village women’s club show in Noco, Rewa.

With the help of grandmother Siteri Saumoli, Unaisi weaved a i kotokoto(mat) for the event. It took them two weeks to complete.

Eager to learn, Unaisi would watch her grandmother weave and suggested that she could do the same.

Grandma Saumoli said this was the best way to teach young people.

“Once they show they are keen, they will easily pick up the skill. I learnt how to weave mats from my grandmother too,” she said.

“When I got married at 18, my mother-in-law ensured that I master the skill.”

Now, young Unaisi wants to weave her own mats. Currently, she earns up to $30 as a tip for helping her grandmother.

“I normally give the money to my parents to help with the family expenses because we are a big family,” Unaisi said.

Unaisi has eight other brothers and sisters. Her father, Neumi Rokovusolo, makes a living from fishing, while mum Makereta Vunicaukula, stays home.

Unaisi aspires to become a nurse one day, but weaving mats is now a handy skill that will stay with her for the rest of her life.

Narocake Village women’s club president Ilieta Rokosaluwai said the purpose of the event was to refresh the members of their mat weaving skills and knowledge.

Young people are also encouraged to learn. The annual event started in 2017.

Women and young girls are encouraged to learn and share the knowledge and skills of mat weaving and other artefacts.

The items on display were divided into three categories:

• mat weaving;
• screen printing; and
• sewing

The women from the Natutuni Clan of Narocake Village were the judges for the event.

Winners:

• Keresi Bainiloga – mat weaving.
• Sera Lavota – screen printing/sewing.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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