In 1978, an artisan named Aliti Roko developed a unique concept of merging wool weaving with traditional masi design. This innovative idea was covered by The Fiji Times on September 8, 1978. Aliti drew inspiration from pseudo-Persian rugs crafted by a friend who was hospitalized at the time.
Creating a standard rug measuring 4 feet by 2 feet and 6 inches required approximately two weeks and involved tying 16,000 knots, yet Aliti claimed that these rugs could endure “a lifetime.” With financial support from the Fiji Development Bank, she established her own cottage industry.
Aliti recruited 12 women from her community in Lami to assist in weaving the rugs. She sourced pure wool from New Zealand, which she dyed in the traditional masi colors of black, off-white, and various shades of brown. The designs were printed onto a backing, and the wool was then knotted through the backing and pulled tight.
The industry was relatively informal; once the women mastered the technique, they could take the hooks, wool, and backing home, allowing them to complete the rugs at their own pace. Although Aliti sold a few rugs and took special orders, she had to cease production due to a lack of a consistent market.
The rugs were priced at $95 each, with Aliti emphasizing that they were more than just items for sale; they were artistic creations comparable to paintings. She noted their durability, stating that they could remarkably retain their shape over time.