Masi making market Tokase’s tapestry makes her the breadwinner of her family
IGATOLO Latu Tokase believes masi has led her to a better place in life and continues to provide the financial support she needs to take care of her family.
The 64-year-old is a masi seller at the MHCC complex in Suva. Originally from Moce in Lau, Ms Tokase adopted the art of tapestry from her home village, describing it as a skill ingrained in the traditions of her community.
“This is the art of tapestry, a skill known to everyone in my village, that’s where I acquired it,” she said.
Having moved to Viti Levu from Lau in 2006, Ms Tokase and her family faced challenges as her husband remained unemployed.
“My family and I were living off the money I made from selling masi,” she said.
“I was and still am the sole provider, or as one would say, the breadwinner of the family.”
Upon arriving on the mainland, Ms Tokase seized every opportunity to enhance her skills, opening her first masi stall at the Suva Handicraft Centre.
Later, she affiliated herself with the Fiji Arts Council, which proved instrumental in helping entrepreneurs like her expand their business.
“Through the Fiji Arts Council, I began to go places. The council showcased my creativity and skills to tourists, hotels and even museums,” Ms Tokase said.
“My skills and work have managed to put my children through school and pay for our rent.”
While acknowledging the positive impact on her family, she noted the increasing cost of materials.
“The expense of the materials I use have become more costly, but that’s business — when income grows, expenses also grow.”
Despite the challenges, she has diversified into creating other items, such as salusalu and mats.
“I have taught myself how to make salusalu and ibe (mats) and I tell you, it has been a blessing,” she said.
Expressing hope that her business will inspire women across Fiji, Ms Tokase encourages them to recognise the potential they have in their skills and talents.
“To women who are not employed by the Government, who are not academically gifted, who do not have self-sustaining jobs, my advice is to build a business surrounding your talents,” she said.
She emphasises the importance of preserving the -iTaukei culture by making a living from the skills inherited from their cultural heritage.
Ms Tokase’s story serves as an inspiration for many women to embrace their talents and contribute to the preservation of Fijian cultural heritage through entrepreneurial endeavours.
My family and I were living off the money I made from selling masi... I was and still am the sole provider, or as one would say, the breadwinner of the family.
– Igatolo Tokase –