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TABEKASERE - Traditional bamboo woven basket of Navatusila
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  • Manage No, Sortation, Country, Writer ,Date, Copyright
    Manage No EE00002334
    Country Fiji
    ICH Domain Oral traditions and representations Knowledge and practices about nature and the universe Traditional craft skills
    Address
    iTaukei Institute of Language and Culture, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, 87 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Nasese, Suva, Fiji Islands [Ph.: +679 3100 909]
    Year of Designation 2020 - 2021
Description The origin of basketry in the Pacific can be traced back to the early European exploration that changed the islanders’ way of living. Intensive European exploration changed the attitude and economy of the indigenous people that ultimately led to the change in the nature of the artifacts made. Baskets during these early times were mainly used in trading. Basketry in the Pacific Islands share similar characteristics in one-way or another, whether it be similar designs or similarity in raw materials used. Mostly across the Pacific, coconut leaves are used to make baskets; from simple designs to complicated ones. Many Pacific Islands use reed or vines to make baskets as well, and in rare cases, from bamboo stems. Traditional baskets woven from bamboo stems can be found from a district in Fiji called Navatusila. This traditional basket shares some similar and different features in comparison to other traditional baskets across the Pacific. Navatusila, a district in the mountains inland on the main island of the archipelago, Vitilevu, is known throughout Fiji and perhaps around the world for its past that many believed was a turning point in Fiji’s Christian history. However, this event is part of history and needed not hinder the fact that Navatusila, like many Fijian traditional settlements, still practice traditional skills and knowledge that is unique to the people in expressing social and cultural identity. Nubutautau, a village in Navatusila, has a bearer of high knowledge and skills in weaving a traditional craft known as tabekasere. The knowledge and skills in weaving the tabekasere is only held in Nubutautau in all the Fiji Islands. This unique craft came to light post Cultural Mapping Program held in February 2016 by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, iTaukei Institute of Language and Culture. Thus, the bearer of knowledge and skills in making the itabekasere is recognized as a Living Human Treasure, as it was discovered at that time that a lone person possessed the knowledge and skills.
Social and cultural significance The tabekasere holds a true and deeper meaning to the way of life of the Navatusila natives. Its meaning is not only limited to its uses but the social value it carries reflects its true character. The making of tabekasere and its uses maintain the social order that defines the people of Navatusila and the itaukei people as a whole. It draws the line on the role of each individual in the community, mainly women. The uses of tabekasere signify respect from women towards the people and the community, and also maintains the pristine way of life that is unique to the people of Navatusila. It is thus an identity signifier that indigenous people always have pride in.
Transmission method The element is transmitted through oral transmission and observation.
Community Navatusila village, Nadroga Navosa Province Fiji

Information source
iTaukei Institute of Language & Culture (TILC)
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