Na Tolu is an artist collective that aims to understand and revive Indigenous making practices for the here and now. Be part of this journey through this hands-on masi making workshop.

In this workshop, the members of Na Tolu —Joana Monolagi, Daren Kamali and Ole Maiava — will demonstrate a series of masi (Fijian tapa cloth) making techniques using modern materials and innovative processes that reflect traditional ways of making.

Workshop participants will explore three techniques to create small samples and combine these into a large scale collaborative piece.

All materials will be provided. Suitable for all ages, participants under 12 need to be accompanied by a guardian.

This free event requires registration. This listing is for the masi making workshop taking place from 1pm – 2.30pm. Another workshop will be held from 10am – 11.30am, also on Saturday 25 February. Register for the morning session here. 

This event is taking place alongside the exhibition The Ulumate Project by Na Tolu. 

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Na Tolu is Joana Monolagi, Daren Kamali and Ole Maiava.

Joana Monolagi has been creating Fijian arts for about 20 years. She was born in the town of Ba, Viti Levu, Fiji, moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1978, and now lives in Pakuranga. Monolagi enjoys working with arts from her Fijian heritage such as masi (Fijian barkcloth) printing, creating Fijian costumes, teaching meke (dance) and telling Fijian stories.

Daren Kamali and Ole Maiava are multi-media artists, working together on the revival, research and making of modern-day ulu cavu. They formed the (UN)Registered Savages of Aotearoa in 2015. They have been working on the making of contemporary ulumate, through research and collaboration with iTaukei artists and researchers in Aotearoa, Fiji and the world.