Women from Levukana Village in the Lomaloma District of Vanuabalavu Island participated in large numbers on the second day of the Vanuabalavu Expo. They exhibited their diverse handicraft skills, including woven mats, fans, masi cloth, woven baskets, coconut oil, and woven wall hangings.
Among them was Kini Salote Tabaiwalu, recognized for her dedication to serving the women of her village. She was one of the top sellers at the expo.
“I have been preparing for this expo since January, collecting all the items I needed to sell,” Mrs. Tabaiwalu said. “Most of the items I sold at the expo were made from coconut trees that we have on the island.”
Mrs. Tabaiwalu, who supports her five children by selling her handicrafts, used the softest part of the coconut tree to weave fans and baskets, and also extracted oil from coconuts to make scented coconut oil. She learned the art of weaving through participation in women’s workshops in Suva and Vanuabalavu. In addition to selling handicrafts, she runs a tie-dye business to support her family.
“I enjoy doing all these because I make use of all the natural resources that are readily available on the island,” she said. “The money I get from selling all these items at the expo will help support my family’s needs.”
The Vanuabalavu Expo concludes today.