‘If mothers can do it, so can fathers’

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 06 May 2016, 12:00AM

Weaving is not just for mothers.

That’s what Tavita Viliamu will tell you.

 “I wanted to have a taste of it, to see for myself how hard it is to weave an ie Samoa,” said Mr. Viliamu. And he did it simply by watching his grandmother.

 “I learnt it from my grandmother but not this ie Samoa,” said Viliamu. 

“I won’t call this a talent but I looked at it as a blessing to me, because this is a good income earner for my family.” 

Viliamu said he moved from weaving the normal fine mat to the Ie Samoa in 2012.  

“I wanted to be a good role model to the youth of our village, and show them that what mothers can do, so can fathers. I felt so happy that I finished my ie samoa in time.”

Mr. Viliamu took eight months to complete the project. He thanked the women’s committee of Fogasavai’i for their support and encouragement.

Avefua Tavita said she is very proud of her husband.

“Weaving is something that is fun to do,” she said. “I also know how but I stopped when I got pregnant, but I am still helping out my husband in getting the lauie for the ie Samoa when I have spare time.” 

Mr. Viliamu is the son of Faialofa Vaoga and Maoi Viliamu. He is the third eldest of eleven children. He is 27 years old and married with one daughter. 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 06 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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