Matuku man’s handiwork to adorn COP23 delegates
“Even though I am not in Bonn, I am proud that those international delegates will be taking a piece of Fiji with them which was my art work,” said artisan Taito Lawakele
The delegates attending COP23 at Bonn, Germany, will be wearing unique necklaces crafted by Natokalau, Matuku man, Taito Lawakele.
Vanua Clay (Fiji) proprietor Mr Lawakele had to work non-stop with his team for two weeks to make 250 necklaces, crafting each of the over 6000 beads with the COP23 logo. During an interview yesterday in Votualevu, Mr Lawakele said he was honoured to be given an opportunity to showcase his skills at an international platform like the COP23.
He said he secured the deal with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. The father of two said the beads were crafted from clay and strung with magimagi (sennit).
“Even though I am not in Bonn, I am proud that those international delegates will be taking a piece of Fiji with them which was my art work,” Mr Lawakele said. “Pottery is something unique to the iTaukei culture and I am happy that they will adorn themselves with something that is new to them.” He thanked his staff for enduring the challenges with him.
“We stayed up and didn’t have enough sleep because making more than 6000 clay beads out of your hand was not an easy job, but then as long as we were helping the Government then we are up for anything,” Mr Lawakele said.
“This is a lifetime achievement for me too because it’s the first time that Fiji is presiding over the COP23 and I have been given the opportunity to assist them,” he said.
He also urged Fijians to help Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in the fight against the ravages of climate change.