MAKING BARKCLOTH

Barkcloth, or 'masi', as it is known in Fijian, is a uniquely Pacific tradition. It is a cream-colored, fiberous paper made by island women from the bark of tropical mulberry trees. The masi we paint on comes from the small island of Vatulele in southern Fiji, home to my husband's family on his mother's side.

A treasured commodity at the heart of Fijian culture, barkcloth is still used in a wide variety of ceremonies, as symbolic gifts, as clothing, and as decorative wall hangings.

The process of masi-making is an environmentally friendly one - the trees are grown in sustainable plantations where new shoots grow from the roots after each harvesting. Each piece of barkcloth goes through a laborious process of beating, soaking, and drying. Production involves sea water, sun, and sweat - no chemicals!

Sigavou Studios has pioneered new approaches to the use of our local barkcloth, celebrating this ancient Pacific tradition while using it to create the vibrant, contemporary artwork we are known for.

More to come soon on the story of making Fijian masi – (website still under construction…)