Fijian Artists Winning Share of Praise at the Bonn zone

With the eyes of the world on Fiji, as Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama assumed COP23 presidency, two Fijians artists have been winning their share of praises from the visiting public at the Bonn zone.

They are 57-year-old Igatolo Tokase of Moce Island and Mateasi Qaroro, 51 of Niurua Village, Vanua Levu. Their passion for iTaukei art brought them to Bonn, Germany where their masi and iTaukei attire are on display for tens of thousands of people from world over to see. Mrs Tokase, a grandmother said this is the second time her art of masi printing has taken her abroad. While she has great respect for education, she has a message for young Fijians- do not lose touch with your roots.

“I studied only up till Class 8 but I always loved masi printing and I am so happy that because of this, I have been able to travel overseas twice - once to Guam and now to Bonn.

“A lot of young people back in Fiji are losing touch with their culture.

“We cannot let our traditions die out; we need people to focus on things such as masi printing.”

She also has a grave warning for young people- actively participate in events related to climate change, as it is their future at stake here.

“Fijian young men and women should work hard to learn about what is happening in the world and take part to save Earth before it is too late,” she said.

Joining her is Mr Qaroro, an award winning designer from Fiji. Nothing about this quiet man will give anyone a clue of his talent. Yet, he was in Bonn, proudly displaying a mannequin wearing his creation of traditional iTaukei attire. He was honoured to have joined the team in Bonn and very proudly reminded people that he was the only one from Vanua Levu to be part of the team.

Their display is one of the key features at the Bonn Zone for COP23.