At the heart of the new ‘Fiji Airways’ brandmark is a striking new masi symbol that epitomises Fiji. It enhances the new name of Fiji’s national carrier and its role as Fiji’s flying ambassador to the world.

The new symbol brings Fiji’s culture and heritage to life by linking the ‘Fiji Airways’ name with this highly respected and traditional art form that has been a part of the Fijian culture for several centuries.

To create this distinctive Fijian symbol, the airline carefully selected celebrated local Fijian masi artist, Makereta Matemosi, who has been practising masi art for 32 years, to create a unique design for ‘Fiji Airways'.

Fiji Islands spoke with Makereta about her masi design for Air Pacific, soon to be Fiji Airways.

What is masi to you and who has been your biggest mentor and inspiration?

I have been making masi art for the last 32 years. I started learning how to make masi from my mother and grandmother when I was in class three (eight years old). I continued to learn the art throughout my teenage years, but it was only 12 years ago (year 2000) that I began making masi for a living to help put my children through school.

I became really interested watching the older ladies in the village make masi. How they dry it, how many pieces they make in a day, and just to see how they give their lives for a piece of masi to be finished. From then, I was really eager and interested to know everything about the masi process. My mother and grandmother were my first mentors, and later when I got married, my mother-in-law also taught me a great deal about this beautiful Fijian tradition.

What is the most fascinating aspect of masi?

I think the most important thing for me is that every little motif has a meaning, and that the woman that puts her thoughts, feelings and effort into a piece of masi also imparts a part of herself in it and passes on that sentiment. It is because of this understanding that I believe I am able to create masi that has meaning to the occasion it is being made for.

What does being adorned in masi signify?

When a person wears a masi or when it adorns the new ‘Fiji Airways’ aircraft - it will tell the tale of a thousand words without even speaking to those that understand the deeper meaning in the design.

What is masi to you and who has been your biggest mentor and inspiration?

I have been making masi art for the last 32 years. I started learning how to make masi from my mother and grandmother when I was in class three (eight years old). I continued to learn the art throughout my teenage years, but it was only 12 years ago (year 2000) that I began making masi for a living to help put my children through school.

I became really interested watching the older ladies in the village make masi. How they dry it, how many pieces they make in a day, and just to see how they give their lives for a piece of masi to be finished. From then, I was really eager and interested to know everything about the masi process. My mother and grandmother were my first mentors, and later when I got married, my mother-in-law also taught me a great deal about this beautiful Fijian tradition.

What is the most fascinating aspect of masi?

I think the most important thing for me is that every little motif has a meaning, and that the woman that puts her thoughts, feelings and effort into a piece of masi also imparts a part of herself in it and passes on that sentiment. It is because of this understanding that I believe I am able to create masi that has meaning to the occasion it is being made for.

What does being adorned in masi signify?

When a person wears a masi or when it adorns the new ‘Fiji Airways’ aircraft - it will tell the tale of a thousand words without even speaking to those that understand the deeper meaning in the design.

What was your reaction when you found out that your design had been chosen?

I am self-employed and have been making masi designs and creating masi for a long time. After I was asked to create a design that will feature what Fiji has to offer to visitors, 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.

What is your wish for the art of masi?

I took this opportunity because I wanted to lend my support to what Air Pacific has planned and I would also like to convey my own message to the young generation on the importance of keeping our culture and tradition close to our hearts. An important part of our culture is the art of making masi and I hope that one day people will get to understand the importance of masi printing and its significance, and that it will continue to be practised by our future generations.
My wish is that today’s generation and the generations to come do not forsake their tradition and this beautiful art. I hope they take pride in learning it, practising it and preserving it, so that it will be there for many generations to come and see and admire and to have a way to connect with their ancestors, as well as pass on a part of themselves to the future generations. It is their identity, our identity.

• Air Pacific is changing to Fiji Airways in 2013. For the latest updates, visit fijiairways.com