At the 7th National Women’s Expo, artisan Anisi Tupou is championing the ancient craft of tapa making, striving to ensure its continuity for future generations. The 53-year-old, hailing from Nasau, Moce in Lau, was taught this traditional art by her mother and is now passing it down to her five children, thereby nurturing a strong family legacy.
“This is our tradition—my mother made it, I made it, and now my daughters and sons are also making it,” Tupou explained. She emphasizes the importance of empowering her children to learn this craft, as it forms an integral part of their cultural heritage.
Aside from preserving tradition, Tupou also sees tapa making as a source of economic empowerment. Each tapa takes between 30 minutes to an hour to create, with sales varying by size. This practical approach combines cultural pride with financial sustainability, highlighting how traditional arts can contribute to family livelihoods.
Now based in Lautoka, Tupou is a role model for young women, encouraging them to embrace their cultural roots through artistic expression. Her efforts echo the sentiments expressed by artisans at previous expos, who have raised concerns about the decline of traditional crafts among younger generations and called for urgent preservation measures.
As the National Women’s Expo provides a platform for voices like Tupou’s, it serves as a reminder of the importance of weaving cultural practices into modern economic opportunities. By fostering skills and connections that bridge the past with future, Tupou and her fellow artisans are forging a hopeful path for the continuation of Fijian artistry.
This narrative not only highlights the dedication of individuals like Tupou but also reflects a broader movement within the Fijian community to ensure that traditional crafts remain a vibrant part of cultural identity and economic empowerment, fostering a legacy of resilience and pride.
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