In 1978, an artisan named Aliti Roko came up with a unique idea that combined wool weaving with traditional masi design. The Fiji Times reported on September 8, 1978, how Aliti crafted stunning masi rugs made from wool. Her inspiration stemmed from pseudo-Persian rugs created by a friend in the hospital.
Creating a standard rug measuring 4 feet by 2 feet and 6 inches required approximately two weeks of work and 16,000 knots, yet Aliti asserted that these rugs could last “a lifetime.” With a loan from the Fiji Development Bank, she established her own cottage industry.
Aliti employed 12 women from the Lami area, overseeing the weaving of the rugs. She sourced pure wool from New Zealand, dyeing it in traditional masi colors, including black, off-white, and various shades of brown. The designs were printed onto the backing, and the wool was meticulously knotted through it.
The operation was designed to be flexible; once the women mastered the technique, they could take the hooks, wool, and backing home to complete the rugs at their convenience. Although Aliti sold a few rugs and took on special orders, she faced challenges due to a lack of a consistent market for her products.
The rugs were priced at $95, and Aliti described them as art pieces, comparable to paintings. She emphasized that these rugs not only had longevity but also the ability to regain their shape.