Meresiana Vatavesi is on a mission to revive the traditional Fijian buiniga hairstyle, a symbol of Fijian identity worn for generations.
Despite fluctuating popularity due to Western beauty standards, there is a growing movement to celebrate and restore this traditional hairstyle.
The 23-year-old was one of five contestants in the Buiniga contest held at the Siga Kei Ba at the Churchill Park Carnival grounds in Lautoka on July 26.
“I am representing the tikina (district) of Bulu, from where the Tui Ba hails. The chiefs of Ba approached me to be the queen,” Ms. Vatavesi said.
“This is a significant achievement for me because, though I am an introvert, I model for Fiji Fashion Week. This competition is an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Ms. Vatavesi received numerous positive comments about her buiniga.
“I’ve been wearing this beautiful buiniga since high school. Maintaining it has allowed me to showcase my identity at Fiji Fashion Week, and my photo is even in the Fiji Museum.
“It’s rare for young girls today to have a buiniga, so for me, it’s a milestone. Coming from a small village in Ba, I am deeply grateful for my parents’ upbringing. They always ensured that my buiniga and attire represented true Fijian beauty,” she said.
Ms. Vatavesi also shared that her late grandmother was a significant inspiration for her pride in the buiniga.
“I was preparing for this competition when I lost my grandmother last week. It was very hard because she was the one who inspired me to wear the buiniga.
“Her absence made this day sad, but I know she would be proud of me.
“The chiefs were concerned about how I would compete after such a loss, but I told them I was doing this for her,” she said.