In 1978, an artisan named Aliti Roko introduced a creative fusion of wool weaving with traditional masi design, as reported by The Fiji Times on September 8 of that year. Aliti was inspired by pseudo-Persian rugs crafted by a friend during a hospital stay.
She explained that creating a standard-sized rug measuring 4ft by 2ft and 6in. required approximately two weeks and a painstaking 16,000 knots, yet she claimed the rugs could last “a lifetime.” With a loan from the Fiji Development Bank, Aliti launched her own cottage industry, employing 12 women from her Lami community to assist in rug weaving.
Aliti sourced pure wool from New Zealand, dyeing it in masi colors of black, off-white, and various shades of brown. After printing the designs onto the backing, the wool was knotted through and pulled tight. The industry operated informally, allowing the women to take the materials home to complete the rugs at their convenience.
While Aliti managed to sell some rugs and received special orders, production ultimately halted due to a lack of a reliable sales market. The rugs were priced at $95, which Aliti noted made them comparable to works of art, as they could endure for years and retain their shape.