In 1978, artisan Aliti Roko introduced a unique concept by merging wool weaving with traditional masi design, as reported by The Fiji Times on September 8, 1978. Inspired by pseudo-Persian rugs created by a friend during her hospital stay, Aliti crafted masi rugs from wool.
A standard rug measuring 4 feet by 2 feet and 6 inches took approximately two weeks and involved tying 16,000 knots. Aliti noted that these rugs were durable enough to last “a lifetime.” With assistance from a loan provided by the Fiji Development Bank, she established her own cottage industry and employed 12 women from Lami to help with the weaving process.
She sourced pure wool from New Zealand, which she dyed in traditional masi colors including black, off-white, and various shades of brown. The design process involved printing patterns onto the backing, then knotting the wool through that backing and securing it tightly.
The industry operated casually; once the artisans mastered the technique, they could work on their rugs at home, using their own schedules. Although Aliti successfully sold a few rugs and took custom orders, she was limited by the lack of a consistent market.
The rugs were priced at $95, with Aliti emphasizing that they were not merely floor coverings but artistic creations comparable to paintings. Their quality allowed them to maintain their shape and durability for many years to come.