CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

Koto follows her mum’s footsteps

BEING the daughter of Makareta Matemosi, the woman who created the iconic Fiji Airways emblem, is tough. But Koto Matemosi is carving her name in the design world by coming up with innovative and new masi (tapa) patterns and hues.

She said being a native of Namuka-i-Lau meant creativity ran in her blood. Ms Matemosi said her people were renowned for two things.

The womenfolk have a reputation for making ornate and intricate masi and the men are known for carving the lali.

Koto Matemosi said with such a rich history in tradition, she utilised the skills passed down from her ancestors.

The 34-year-old operates her own business out of her Namuka-i-Lau, Lami, home.

She said when there was a function in Lau for the Tui Nayau, the women of Namuka-i-Lau would always be tasked to make a special masi

like a red carpet for the chief to walk on.

Ms Matemosi said Namuka-i-Lau women did not weave mats because they specialised in making masi of sorts of designs.

“There is a special tree on my island that we get the colour of the masi from and also red soil to separate the black colour of the masi.

“Our journey began with our ancestors and continues to date.”

Ms Koto said she learned a lot from her late mother and the success she enjoyed with creating the Fiji Airways motif.

She said her fledgling business was registered in 2015 through the family business.

Ms Koto decided to turn to making masi earrings during the Samoa measles outbreak in September 2019.

She thought the government would close the border because most Samoan people coming to Fiji, came to buy masi.

“I changed my business from masi printing to earrings because I knew that women wear earrings every day.

“I use a lot of masi in my earrings by using the Namuka design.”

She always sells at the Rock Market at Thurston Gardens.

During COVID-19 pandemic, Koto said she tried her business online and was surprised to see a lot of feedback from all over Fiji.

When she makes her earrings she uses the white paper glue for her finishing touches so that the colour of the masi won’t disappear.

Her advice to youths is that if they can’t find work, try and use what

God has already blessed them with and make sure to hold on to your culture and keep it at heart.