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By Ernest Heatly for other expenses,” Sekelala shared. The support of their
husbands has played a crucial role in their business, as they
A group of remarkable women from Nakera, in Cakaudrove, assist in collecting materials and transporting finished products.
Vanua Levu is weaving its way to national prominence. With One of the most remarkable aspects of their craft is the use of
skilled hands and generations of knowledge, they have natural dyes derived from turmeric and mangrove wood (dogo),
transformed their traditional craft into an art form that is not ensuring their products are completely organic. This dedication
only breathtaking, but also a crucial source of income for their to sustainability has only increased the appeal of their work.
families. At the core of their craft is the sturdy and versatile “Wa Salanieta Marama of the Fiji Arts Council praised the women
Mere” plant, a rare creeping reed found only in the Cakaudrove of Vaturova for their exceptional craftsmanship, noting that their
region, which has become the secret to their success. baskets stand out as unique Fijian products. “What we have
“We create baskets of all sizes from the Wa Mere plant. We seen is the quality of their work improving year by year. Their
are very blessed to have this plant growing in our area, and it has handicraft is certainly eye-catching, and they have practical
allowed us to make baskets and other handicrafts that generate use,” she said.
a good income for our families,” said Sera Sekelala, one of the The women of Nakera and surrounding villages in Vaturova,
skilled weavers of Nakera. including Nayarabale, Seavaci, and Vaturamulo, have embraced
However, obtaining Wa Mere is no easy task. The plant grows this craft as their primary means of livelihood. The Fiji Arts Council
only at specific elevations, requiring the women to embark on currently has around 50 women from Vaturova registered,
challenging journeys to harvest it. Often they hire vehicles to though the actual number of women relying on this traditional
reach the site, and even then, they must trek through the terrain craft is believed to be even higher.
before they can gather their materials. Adi Niqa Tuvuki, a retired Cultural Development Officer with
“We go with our sons, daughters, and husbands, who help the Fiji Arts Council, highlighted the cultural significance of the
bring sacks of Wa Mere down. Then, we begin the process of Wa Mere plant, referring to it as their “yau ni vanua” (a treasured
preparing them for our handicraft,” Sekelala explained. natural resource of Vaturova). “The sheer variety of creations the
Once harvested, the vines undergo an intricate process of women now make is astounding, from practical baskets to flower
cooking, sun-drying, and preparation before they can be woven vases and even intricately woven hand fans,” she said.
into baskets, flower vases, or other stunning creations. Their Tuvuki emphasized that the skills these women possess have
baskets, renowned for their durability, can last up to 60 years— been passed down through generations, ensuring the survival of
far longer than those made from voivoi (pandanus leaves), which this remarkable art form. “I would go as far as to say that they
typically last only a few years. are the stars of the Fijian handicraft scene today. Their work has
Sekelala and other weavers from Vaturova attended the most been outstanding and continues to get better every year,” she
recent Fiji National Women’s Expo in Suva, where their crafts added.
were beautifully displayed. “From the time of our grandmothers, For now, the women of Nakera and Vaturova continue to thrive,
baskets made from vines have been our source of income,” she selling their Wa Mere-derived products to resorts, hotels, and
said proudly. individuals across Fiji. Some have even expanded their reach by
Despite the high quality of their work, these women still face leveraging online platforms such as Facebook, allowing them to
challenges when it comes to selling their products. They rely on connect with a wider audience.
word of mouth, friends, and relatives to secure customers, as As they weave their way to success, these talented artisans
they do not have access to formal marketplaces. However, their are not only preserving their cultural heritage but also securing
dedication has allowed them to make a respectable income of a brighter future for their families and communities. The women
around $400 to $500 per week from basket sales. of Nakera are a true testament to the power of traditional
“Money earned from baskets has helped us support our craftsmanship, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Fijian
families financially, put our children through school, and cater women.

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