Koto the masi maker
KOTO Matemosi is continuing a tradition passed down to her from her late mother — the art of masi-making.
Despite living at Veisari, Ms Koto, who hails from Namukai-Lau in Lau, remains deeply connected to her roots, carrying on her mother’s legacy by co-founding Matemosi Masi.
In fact, she would like to be remembered as the “keeper of my mother’s legacy”.
“Yes, I make tapestry and handicraft,” she says.
“I learned how to make masi from my late mum. I’m just continuing her legacy.”
Her dedication to mastering the craft has led her to diversify her products, incorporating earrings and watches into her repertoire.
“I’m branching out into making earrings and watches and stuff like that.
“There is so much we can do with our cultural artefacts and items. You know, women need to be creative.”
Ms Matemosi learned the art in her teen years.
“It was how I was brought up,” she adds.
From a young age, she has dabbled in the art, now she’s good enough at it to use it as a means to support her family financially.
“My mother sold masi, so she could pay for our education.
“Back then, it was just about helping out my family financially. Over the years though, I developed the sense that our cultural traditions, including the masi, are dying and need to be preserved.”
She laments the fading significance of traditional wear in today’s society, emphasising the need to reconnect with her cultural roots embedded in these artefacts.
Despite attending Suva Grammar School and pursuing a diploma in industrial lab technology, Ms Matemosi’s heart remained tethered to her craft.
“And just after my formal education,
I worked for a bit, you know, here and there.
“But for all those years I was thinking of starting this kind of business that will also keep my mother’s legacy.” In 2015, tragedy struck as her beloved mother passed away, leaving Ms Matemosi with a solemn vow to carry on her teachings and pass down the sacred knowledge to future generations.
“When my mum passed on in 2015, I told myself I would carry on her legacy and what she taught me.
“So, I can pass on that sacred knowledge to this coming generation and the generations to come.”
Balancing her entrepreneurial endeavours with caring for her father and managing household chores, Ms Matemosi embodies the essence of strength and dedication. “My advice to younger women is that we just have to be passionate in whatever we do, and we must always be patient. “Put all our effort into it diligently because these are the things that reflects who you are.”
She also stresses the importance of humility and learning from the older generation and recognising the invaluable lessons they can offer. With eyes on a future that she says will be both exciting and empowering, Ms Matemosi believes the day will come when the skills
My advice to younger women is that we just have to be passionate in whatever we do, and we must always be patient
– Koto Matemosi
of local talented women will be showcased on a global scale.
Ms Matemosi is also hoping that her journey will serve as an inspiration for women everywhere to honour their heritage, pursue their dreams and leave a legacy for generations to come.