Fijian Masi: Sacred Bark Cloth Designs

Masi in Fijian Culture

Masi is Fijian bark cloth with deep cultural significance: ceremonial gift, burial shroud, room divider, and social rank marker. Vatulele village is the main production center.

Production Methods

Women harvest bark, soak in seawater, then beat on wooden anvils with grooved beaters of varying coarseness.

Masi Kesa Decoration

Freehand-painted designs use mangrove bark pigment for brown and candlenut soot for black, applied without stencils or guides.

Ceremonial Uses

Essential at weddings (presented as key exchange), funerals (wrapping the deceased), and chiefly installations.

Masi Meke Performance Cloth

Special masi for dance performances features bold large-scale designs, worn as loincloths or chest wraps during choreographed movements.