The Women Potters of Rewa “Renaissance of Tuli Kuro” exhibition was launched at the University of Fiji Art Gallery in Samabula last night showcasing the works of 76-year-old Amelia Yalosavu, one of the last potters from Naselai, Rewa.
Yalosavu says she was taught the art of “Tuli Kuro” or pottery making by her mother in law, Resina Lesuma who encouraged her to learn the art to earn a living for her and her family.
University of Fiji Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem says since its inception and opening the University of Fiji Gallery was established for a particular purpose and focus.
Professor Shameem says that is to provide a holistic education to all students and staff as the gallery has been a purpose of enlightenment for all educators at the University of Fiji.
She says there have been three exhibitions so far with this being the third and the choice to have artisans not only to display there but also explain its production is the core value of the exhibition.
The Director Institute of iTaukei Language and Culture, Emosi Cagiono says he is thankful on behalf of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs that UniFiji is one institute that is promoting and safeguarding the artifacts of Fiji.
He says pottery in Fiji has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years.
Cagiono says over the last 10 years they have been running a government funded programme for "Culture Revitalisation."
He says part of their work is not only revitalising artifacts but knowledge as well of the iTaukei community.
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