Lusiana Buli 56, of Rewa Disable Women's group with some of her hanicraft on sale during Central Division Women's Craft Show in Ratu Sukuna Park on March 01, 2018. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
Despite the many challenges Lusiana Buli, 56, of Muanaira Vutia Village in Rewa was pleased to be part of the Central Division Women’s Craft Show at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva.
As a member of the Women with Disability Group Ms Buli said she was excited about mingling with fellow artisans at the crafty show.
Some of the artefacts she made include fans, flower vase and flowers made out of old coconut shells, coconut virgin oils, jewelleries made out of recycle papers, wall hanging baskets, recycle bottles with decorations and table clothes. She makes all kinds of crafts at home to sell as an income for her.
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“It is very challenging for us to come to the Nausori Market or to Suva City to sell our products due to transportation problems,” she said.
“We live close to the mouth of the Rewa River and have to travel by boat and from there then get bus or taxi to come to Suva City which can be difficult for disabled people.”
She admits to facing difficulties when producing virgin coconut oil because she had to go to the village community to access the only electric coconut scraper in the village.
“And I have to ask some people to get coconut shells for me to make flower vase,” Ms Buli said.
Meanwhile, Amelia Lesumai, 69, of Sawarua Lokia Village, in Rewa started making these handicrafts more than 30 years ago.
She specialises in crafting Gusudua, a Fijian name for a one mouth pottery to store water, and Gusutolu, which was a three-mouth pottery vessel.
“I also give tuition to school students who want to learn making these crafts,” Ms Lesumai said.
She had learned how to make pottery from her mother-in-law after she married.
Edited by Percy Kean
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