In 1978, an artisan named Aliti Roko came up with a unique idea to merge wool weaving with traditional masi design, a concept that was featured in an article by The Fiji Times on September 8 of that year. Aliti was inspired by pseudo-Persian rugs created by a friend who was hospitalized.
She created masi rugs from wool, with a standard-sized rug measuring 4 feet by 2 feet and 6 inches. Producing one of these rugs took approximately two weeks and involved tying 16,000 knots, but Aliti claimed they could last “a lifetime.” With a loan from the Fiji Development Bank, she established her own cottage industry.
Aliti employed 12 women from her community in Lami to assist in the weaving process. She imported pure wool from New Zealand, dyeing it in traditional masi colors like black, off-white, and various shades of brown. The designs were printed onto a backing, and the wool was knotted and pulled tight.
This informal industry allowed the women to learn the craft and then work from home, finishing the rugs at their own pace. Although Aliti sold some rugs and accepted special orders, she faced challenges due to the lack of a consistent market. The rugs were priced at $95 each, and Aliti described them as works of art, comparable to paintings, emphasizing their durability and ability to regain shape over time.