In the village of Lawai, women are actively engaging in pottery, combining traditional skills with entrepreneurship. Many of them have previously worked on pottery projects but are now focusing on improving the use of locally available resources to enhance their income.
The Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club, led by Makelesi Adivugalei, has brought together women who primarily work from home without proper facilities. Makelesi shared that they originally relied on outdoor spaces for their production, as there were no dedicated spaces for their activities.
The pottery initiative in Lawai started in 1979, and it has since evolved into a community project that empowers women through skilled labor, often focused on producing traditional pottery for local markets. Women from other areas also contribute to the clay processing while efforts are underway to establish permanent facilities for this work.
Currently, the pottery club has 22 active members. Many of the women involved are over 70 years old and continue to thrive in this craft due to the cultural significance of pottery in their region.
Makelesi explained that they primarily use local clay types, which are abundant in their village, for their creations ranging from small pots to decorative items. This handmade pottery not only preserves cultural traditions but also provides a source of income for the women and their families.
The women often travel to local hotels to sell their pottery, showcasing their craftsmanship to a broader audience. They believe in the importance of maintaining these traditional skills, which were passed down by their ancestors.
As the community continues to develop this initiative, there is hope for more support from the government and local organizations to help enhance their pottery production and market reach.
Makelesi advocates for continued education for the youth to equip them with skills that would benefit their families and community in the long run.