Makereta etches her name in history
Fiji Airways Masi Design
By MERE NALEBA
It was her love for masi-making and creating new designs that saw Makereta Matemosi selected to help the Air Pacific staff and management, in designing a masterpiece that will feature with Air Pacific’s new name Fiji Airways during the name change in 2013.
The 52-year-old could hardly contain her excitement after Air Pacific gave the green light to her design. The masi design has a series of motifs that have different meanings about the people of Fiji, their relationship with Air Pacific, and the country’s natural beauty.
Masi-making has managed to put Mrs Matemosi’s five children through school, and with the continuous support from her children and husband, Mrs Matemosi was able to deliver an exceptional masterpiece that will be showcased to the world in 2013.
“I am self-employed and have been making masi designs and creating masi for the last 15 years. After I was asked to create a design that will feature what Fiji has to offer to tourists, I tried to create something unique and I am so happy that my hard work, and the hard work of my family members have been recognised,” Mrs Matemosi said.
She attended the unveiling of the new logo with her husband and five children, along with her sister and her brother-in- law.
From her humble beginnings, Mrs Matemosi spent a tireless four months creating the new masi design and when the final product was finally approved, the Namuka-i-Lau woman breathed a sign of relief.
Mrs Matemosi’s is now making a name for herself with the help of her 30-year-old daughter, Veitacini Matemosi who is her assistant when she receives orders for more masi prints from hotels, resorts and other handicraft shops in Viti Levu and in the Mamanuca Islands.
“I took this opportunity because I wanted to show my support of what Air Pacific has in place and also I would like to convey my message to the young generation on the importance of keeping our culture and tradition close to our hearts, I am hoping that one day people will get to understand the importance of masi printing and its significance,” she said.
The concept of the design:
1) The big circle has four crosses at four corners which indicate inter-connection, just as Fiji Airways connects people to the Fiji Islands.
2) The Inner circle reflects the spiritual values of the Fijian people – denoting the culture of caring and looking after each other as a community, just as the airline cares about its nation and strives to improve the quality of life for its people.
3) The middle section of the masi with sixteen petal shapes reflects the people working hand in hand to create a stronger nation, just as the men and women of Fiji Airways work as a team to create a stronger airline.
4) The smaller circle inside reflects the Fijians friendly and welcoming nature to all visitors and the airline’s role as Fiji’s proud ambassador to the world.
5) The innermost part of the motif is the diamond, which is the most important past as it represents the love that the airline has for Fiji and all the customers it is privileged to serve.
Shortlink:
Posted by 
