At this year’s Women’s Expo, two innovative entrepreneurs, Laniana and Livia, captivated attendees with their unique crafts that embody creativity and sustainability. Hailing from different regions in Fiji, they showcased how ordinary, often overlooked natural materials can be transformed into striking works of art, sending a powerful message about the value of local resources.
Laniana, from Tavualevu in the Ba Province, began her artistic journey with mat weaving. However, she has shifted her focus to crafting beautiful jewelry from the seeds of the dilo tree, commonly known as mapolo. Despite being viewed as waste by many, Laniana saw an opportunity to repurpose these seeds into vibrant bead necklaces. “These seeds, usually seen as trash, have been turned into art,” she explained. The process involves careful handling: collecting the seeds, soaking them, drying, dyeing, and finishing them before stringing them into necklaces, making them not just beautiful, but environmentally conscious products priced at $15 each. Laniana’s work is deeply rooted in cultural significance, connecting her to her heritage, and she aims to inspire others to think creatively about the resources available to them.
Livia, representing Daviqele Village in Kadavu, similarly embraces sustainability through her artistic use of coconut shells. Coconuts are plentiful in Fiji, yet many shells end up as waste. Livia transforms these discarded shells into decorative wall hangings by polishing and painting them, then enhancing them with magimagi (coconut sinnet). “I wanted to create something unique and beautiful,” she shared, reflecting the beauty found in simplicity and the potential of local materials. Her meticulous work highlights both patience and creativity, resulting in artworks that celebrate the natural texture of coconut shells while contributing to a culture of upcycling.
Both artisans share a common motivation: they aim to alleviate poverty in their communities by utilizing the abundant natural resources at their disposal. They emphasize to other women and youth the importance of crafting as a means to enhance livelihoods. Their innovative approaches not only foster economic independence but also serve to connect traditional practices with modern sustainability efforts.
This showcase of talent at the Women’s Expo is a testament to the empowerment potential of local craftsmanship. Just as other artisans at similar events have voiced, encouraging women to engage with traditional crafts can ensure cultural preservation while creating economic opportunities. The future looks bright for Fijian artisans like Laniana and Livia, whose journeys inspire hope and creativity in their communities.
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