Evolving culture; Women encouraged to take up carving

What was traditionally a practice for men is now being encouraged for women.

A Woodcarving workshop was held for youths at the Alofi South Hall by the National carving association – Niue Talatalai.  

Traditionally, women were confined to weaving handicrafts while woodcarving were reserved for the men.

Master carver Dean Talagi said that this is part of efforts to revive the cultural practice of wood carving and to empower women to do crafts that men do.

“It’s just encouraging our young people especially young women and girls to look at avenues and pathways through crafts that men do “

A group of young women were being taught how to carve the ata wood at the hall this morning. Tapa making was also being taught with the master carvers showing how to peel the bark of the hiapo wood.

Dean Talagi said products out of the wood carving include wooden canoes, sika, earings, and ornaments.

“It’s really hard for some of the younger generations now to go back to these traditional things but we value these things and we’re trying to maybe at least do something and we could see it’s the market inside that we struggle and we lack, we do have the shills but then the market is not there. As you all know the COVID is stopping tourists from coming but in the meantime, we’re still trying,” said Talagi