A’ufaga Aleipata and Fogasavai’i are the winners of the 11th Ie Fuataga Exhibition. The Upolu section of the competition attracted hundreds of women to the front of the government building yesterday morning.
For their troubles, the women from Aufaga and Fogasavai’i received $5,000 each. Both women committees successfully met the challenge to produce more than 10 ‘ie Samoa ‘kosi 1.’
Their commitment was commended by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development yesterday.
As part of the celebration of Mothers’ Day, the exhibition featured ie Samoa and siapo, beautifully woven and printed by members of numerous village-based falelalaga (weaving group) on both islands.
Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who delivered the keynote address, congratulated all the women who took part in the programme.
"Since its inception," Tuilaepa said "the quality of the fine mats produced has improved tremendously."
An 84-year-old mother from Samatau, Vai Lavea, agrees.
“This is a great opportunity for all the mother’s in Samoa to come together and make a change,” she said. “It’s our chance to revive our traditions and bring keep the art of weaving wonderful fine mats alive.”
To’atasi Alatina, of Patamea said,"it is not an easy job."
“The skills about making the ‘ie Samoa has been passed from generation to generation over centuries ago,” she said.
"And it’s a good money earner," she said.
“After three years of weaving ‘ie Samoa, we’ve made more than ten thousand tala,” she said. “But that’s not the point. Weaving is a passion that we have. The final product reflects what’s in the heart.”
To’atasi said “some fine mats take years to complete.”
“Back in days there were many accomplished fine mat makers and almost every village had a designated spot where women would gather to make these mats,” she recalled.
“They also teach their children the art of making fine mats. That’s why I’m so pleased about this programme that’s allowing the art to be revived."
Seta, of Tufutafoe Savai’i, said, ‘ie Samoa is a special finely woven mat that has the highest cultural value in Samoa."
“Ie Samoa are valued so highly because of the quality of the weaving and the softness of is texture,” she said. “The shininess of the material."
"You would know a good quality ie Samoa when you see one."
Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development; Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe expressed her gratitude to all the women who have contributed to the initiative.
She also wished them all Happy Mothers’ day.
THE WINNERS
Upolu:
Special Prize (Highest Produced Ie Samoa ‘kosi 1’): Sa’oao ma Tama’ita’i of A’ufaga
Best Matuau’u: Uesa Tagoa’i of A’ufaga Best Siapo mamanu: June Kolotita Ailuai of Vavau Individual Prizes: Awarded to 59 individuals (production of ‘kosi 1, 2 & 3’) Consolation Prizes: Awarded to 43 Falelalaga
SAVAII:
Special Prize (Highest Produced Ie Samoa ‘kosi 1’): Komiti o Tina ma Tama’itai of Fogasavaii Best Matuau’u: Leafa Moale of Fogasavaii Best Siapo mamanu: Fuatai Tolovaa of Sala’ilua Individual Prizes: Awarded to 82 individuals (production of ‘kosi 1, 2 & 3’) Consolation Prizes: Awarded to 66 Falelalaga
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