Baleinabola's Dedication To The Art Of Masi Making
“I started making masi just for the sake of family functions so we wouldn’t ask others for assistance but I didn’t know that I would continue with this craftwork,” she said.
Tuesday 18 October 2022 | 15:05
Unise Baleinabola with her handicraft during the Fiji Arts Council Exhibition Event in Nausori. Photo: Viliame Tawanakoro
Unise Baleinabola is grateful for the art of masi (barkcloth) making because it’s enabled her to build a home for her family.
“Making Masi and selling Masi has helped me in building our house today.”
Masi is made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree.
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Ms Baleinabola shared how masi making became a job as opposed to a hobby.
“I started making masi just for the sake of family functions so we wouldn’t ask others for assistance but I didn’t know that I would continue with this craftwork,” she said.
“It came to a point where I thought that ‘yes I can actually make a living out of this’.”
Then she started to look for a suitable and safe group to join.
“When I came to find out about Fiji Arts Council I decide to join the organisation and this is how I managed to attain my license for selling my craftworks.”
Ms Baleinabola said for the past fourteen years being part of the Fiji Arts Council, has allowed her to be part of many organised events to sell her craftwork.
“With this journey of mine, it has allowed me to travel around Fiji and earned some money.
“I helped my husband with my earnings, also helped us in sending my children to school.”
In Fiji, each province and clans have their own unique designs and for Ms Baleinabola, she tries to include her village’s and her husband’s village. She is from Totoya in Lau while her husband is from Moce, also in Lau.
“I advise our young generation to tap into making masi and take pride in our culture,” she said.
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