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Yaqona
Kava
Kava, known in Fiji as Yaqona, is Fiji's national drink. Traditionally, it was
used only in important ceremonies. Nowadays, it is a social beverage. There is a
strict protocol associated with yaqona drinking. One should clap once, clasping
the hands, take the cup, and drink the yaqona in a single draft before returning
the cup to the bearer, clapping three times, and saying the word maca
(pronounced: maÞa).
Arts and Craft
Fiji's arts and crafts reflect local adaptations of their Polynesian and
Melanesian heritage. By tradition, the men's and women's crafts are separate.
Women's crafts
The village of Nalotu on Kadavu Island is famous for its pottery, the making of
which is still governed by strict rituals. Nadroga and Rewa also produce fine
pottery. Each region has its own unique style in the making of pottery. Famous
present-day potters include Diana from Nadroga, and Taraivini Wati from Rewa.
The making of tapa, or masi, is another craft associated with women. Tapa is
made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree and decorated in charcoal with
symbolic motifs and various patterns. In modern times, it has become fashionable
for a masi to bear the name of the person who made it. Masi are often exchanged
as gifts on formal occasions. The island of Vatuelele of the southern coast of
Viti Levu is famous for its masi products.
Most Fijian mats are made from the leaves of the pandanus tree. The long process
of preparation includes scraping and boiling the leaves, and drying them in the
sun. There are different mats used for different occasions, and some are made as
gifts for formal occasions such as weddings. Most mats are bordered with highly
decorative and brightly coloured wool. One well-known Fijian mat is the kuta,
made by women in Vanua Levu, particularly Bua.
Basket weaving also another art that the women do.
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