BARKCLOTH ART FROM SIGAVOU
VITI LAILAI ( LITTLE FIJI ) COLLECTION
MAKING BARKCLOTH
Barkcloth, or 'masi', as it is known in Fijian, is a time-honoured Pacific tradition. It is a cream-colored, fibrous paper hand-crafted by island women, from the bark of Paper Mulberry trees (Broussonetia papyrifera). A treasured commodity at the heart of Fijian culture, barkcloth is still used in a wide variety of ceremonies, as symbolic gifts, as clothing, and as decorative wall hangings. The masi we paint on comes from the small island of Vatulele in southern Fiji, home to my children’s grandmother. The aunts and cousins who make our masi are part of a long line of hard-working women who have passed the secrets and rituals involved in masi-making from one generation to the next, keeping a proud tradition alive. The money they earn through the sale of their masi is used to buy household essentials, school supplies, and boat fuel for the extended families that are part of their remote island community.
The process of masi-making is an environmentally friendly one. Masi trees grow in sustainable plantations where new shoots regenerate from the roots remaining after each harvest. Each piece of barkcloth goes through a laborious process of beating, soaking, and drying. Production involves sea water, sun, and sweat - no chemicals! Sigavou Studios has pioneered new approaches to the use of our local barkcloth, celebrating this ancient Pacific tradition while using it to create the vibrant, contemporary artwork we are known for.
NB: Art images shown here are not to scale—please refer to dimensions listed with each painting. Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd All rights reserved.
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
Hibiscus flowers are synonymous with the laid-back, care-free lifestyle that Fiji is known for. These cheerful blossoms brighten up gardens and waysides all over our islands. Locals often wear a bright hibiscus flower tucked behind the ear in a spirit of fun—on the right for those who are with a partner, and on the left for those who are still “available” ! Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.IH-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“ISLAND HIBISCUS” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
This little barkcloth painting was inspired by a fish named after our islands: the ‘Fiji Blue Devil’ ( Chrysiptera taupou ). Even small children swimming in shallow waters can glimpse the iridescent blue colors of these tiny fish as they dart about in tidal rock pools beside Fiji’s many white sand beaches. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.IK-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“IKA KARAKARAWA” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
These little sea creatures certainly have some fascinating habits. Male seahorses take fatherhood to a level that would be the envy of many a human feminist! Males can be distinguished by a pouch, located just below their stomachs. The female deposits her eggs into this pouch, and dad is ‘pregnant’ with the babies for several weeks before they are born! Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.GS-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“GREEN SEAHORSE” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
“Davui” is the Fijian word for conch shell. These beautiful shells hold a significant place in Fijian culture as ceremonial items. They are used as trumpets to announce traditional events such as the anointing of a new chief. A small hole is bored at the tip of the shell and the herald blows through this, creating a low wailing sound that seems to resonate with mysteries of an ancient oceanic past. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.GD-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“GREEN DAVUI” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
‘Vonu” is the Fijian word for turtle, painted here in the cool colours of our tropical waters. Turtles are revered in island legends as symbols of wisdom and blessing. Though their numbers have been dwindling, greenback, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles still visit Fiji’s beaches to breed as they journey through the Pacific Ocean along ancient migratory paths.
Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.GV-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“GREEN VONU” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
The Fijian word for starfish is poetic: ‘davodavo ni qio’, which translates as ‘shark’s resting place”! Our tropical reefs are home to starfish of various shapes and colours. They add a magical touch to Fiji’s underwater wonder-world! This painting is available as a hand-painted limited edition series, created using stenciling techniques adapted from traditional Fijian barkcloth artists. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.LS-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“LAGOON STARFISH” by Maria Rova
“LITTLE REEF SERIES” by Maria Rova These four designs can be displayed as a set for greater impact - framed individually or as a group... All four designs above are available in two other colors: Earth-tones and Turquoise. Size of each painting: 13 x 16 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
When it’s time to relax with family and friends in Fiji, a ukulele is never far away! This small stringed instrument is synonymous with music-making throughout Oceania. This painting depicts the joyful spirit that Fijians are renowned for— most evident in spontaneous singing sessions around a kava bowl. Frangipani flowers are often tucked behind the ear, as we strum our ukuleles and harmonise our voices. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.UK-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“UKULELE” by Ravuravu Kuilalekaleka
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
The young artist who designed this painting belongs to a clan of traditional wood carvers and boat builders, from the far-flung islands of Lau, in south-eastern Fiji. His ancestors were famous for navigating the high seas with huge, doubled-hulled canoes known as ‘drua’. Guided by ocean currents, moon, sun, and stars, these voyagers had highly skilled navigation systems that took them to far horizons and beyond. Sighting a turtle was a good omen, as turtles were considered symbols of wisdom and blessing. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.DR-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“DRUA” by Ravuravu Kuilalekaleka
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
“Sere Kali” refers to mythical poems or chants, often performed by traditional Fijian dancers. These sacred songs are passed from generation to generation by the “Dau Ni Vucu”, or meke dance teachers, who, through song and dance, have kept tribal legends alive to this day. This is one in a set of barkcloth paintings depicting this vibrant form of story-telling unique to Fijian culture.” Size: 11 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended Frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.SK9-XA Code: VL.SK10-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“SERE KALI IV “ (left) “SERE KALI X” (right) by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
“Angel Fish” reflects the rhythmic lines of ancient Pacific barkcloth artwork. Vibrant reds add a contemporary touch to this piece. Several species of angel fish make the tropical reefs that fringe Fiji’s islands their home. With their striking shapes and colorful markings, they are one of the many eye-catching sights awaiting the visitor to our sub-surface paradise. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches
Code: VL.AF1-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“ANGEL FISH I” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
This design was inspired by a fish named after our islands: the ‘Fiji Blue Devil’ (Chrysiptera taupou). These bright blue damsel fish can often be seen darting about in rock pools or playing hide and seek amongst branches of coral. Washed into tidal pools by changing currents, they are often the first of many thrilling sights waiting to greet the visitor to Fiji’s reefs.
Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.IV2-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“IKA NI VITI II” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
Diving into the Pacific Ocean alongside a school of giant manta rays rates as one of the most exhilarating experiences of my island life to date! Mantas migrate through Fiji waters seasonally, congregating to feed in the plankton-rich passages between certain islands. These gentle giants have a surreal, UFO-like appearance, as they ‘wing’ their way through the currents just beyond reach. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.PM-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“PACIFIC MANTAS” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
Silent sentinels on the tidal mudflats, the ‘belo’ (Fijian for ‘heron’) is a familiar sight on Fiji’s shorelines. By day, these streamlined creatures wing low over the reefs or stalk through the mangroves in search of seafood feasts. Towards dusk, they head toward communal roosts in large trees, where, with much squawking and flapping of wings, they settle down for the night. Size: 11 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.BE-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“BELO” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
My childhood in the village of Naivucini, nestled in the rugged mountains of Fiji’s largest island, was the inspiration for this painting. Near my home was the site of my grandparents first “bure” - the thatched cottage they built from bamboo poles and reeds, as a shelter for their new family. It was surrounded by an amazing wall of bright hibiscus flowers—a place where love and dreams were nurtured and passed on to generations to follow...
Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.BB-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“BLUE BURE” by Rovitivau Rinakama
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
“My family on my mother’s side hails from Vanuabalavu, the largest island in the Lau Group in southern Fiji. Descendants of Tongan warriors and traders, her people were expert seafarers. They used outrigger canoes called ‘camakau’, to travel between nearby islands. Made from hollowed-out logs, with triangular sails woven from pandanus leaves, Camakau enabled many remote island communities to stay in touch. “ Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.CA-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“CAMAKAU” by Rovitivau Rinakama
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
An essential in any Fijian household, a ‘tanoa’ is a large basin used to mix and serve ‘yaqona’—also known as ‘kava’—Fiji’s national drink. Uniquely shaped with four legs, ‘tanoa’ are carved from a single block of hardwood. However, along the river valleys and mountains of Viti Levu, kava basins known as ‘dari’, formed from clay, are common. A coconut shell, or ’bilo’ is used to serve kava in ceremonies of welcome and other social gatherings.
Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.BT-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“BLUE TANOA” by Rovitivau Rinakama
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
‘Ika Loa” means ‘black fish’ in Fijian. The colors and repetitious patterns of this composition were inspired by the clay and charcoal barkcloth designs made by women from my extended family who live on the remote island of Vatulele in southern Fiji. This painting was created using a stenciling technique learnt from these traditional ‘masi kesa‘ artists. Details have been drawn freehand with metallic gold paint.
Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.IL-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“IKA LOA” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
This design celebrates the arrival of endangered leatherback turtles, who visit Fiji to nest on specific remote sandy beaches, migrating annually across vast distances of open ocean to do so. The bony ridges running up and down the leathery back of this giant reptile make it easy to distinguish from the other three species of sea turtles that visit Fiji’s plentiful reefs seasonally. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.LT-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“LEATHERBACK TURTLE” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
These little sea creatures certainly have some fascinating habits. Male seahorses take fatherhood to a level that would be the envy of many a human feminist! Males can be distinguished by a pouch, located just below their stomachs. The female deposits her eggs into this pouch, and dad is ‘pregnant’ with the babies for several weeks before they are born! Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.SR-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“SEAHORSE RUA” by Maria Rova
VITI LAILAI COLLECTION
The Fijian words “tui ika” refer to the string of fish a spear fisher will tie to his waist as he dives the reefs in search of food. In Fiji’s outer islands, many families still depend on traditional spear fishing skills that young boys learn from their tribal elders. Available in earth tones and sea colours, our “Tui Ika” limited edition series is hand-painted on barkcloth, using a stenciling technique learnt from traditional ‘masi kesa‘ artists. Details are drawn freehand with metallic paint. Sizes: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: VL.TI3-XA Code: VL.TI4-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“TUI IKA III” ( left ) & “TUI IKA IV” ( right ) by Maria Rova
Sigavou staff sun out sheets of barkcloth in our studios garden.
CREATING OUR BARKCLOTH ART: Our barkcloth paintings come in numbered, limited edition series of 150 to 600. Each piece of art is painted by hand, with careful attention to detail and workmanship. Inspired by Fiji’s traditional masi kesa artists, we apply layers of colour to our barkcloth with sponges, using a series of stencils. Details are added in freehand, often using metallic gold or silver paint for the line work. Our barkcloth art is then mounted on to backing card, with a signed Certificate of Authenticity attached to the back. Since most of our end-buyers are based overseas, we generally sell the artwork unframed. Encased in cellophane envelopes, the paintings are lightweight and travel easily. International flights depart daily from Fiji, making it quick and easy to ship our barkcloth art world-wide, by registered airmail or international courier. The hand-crafted barkcloth we paint on is cleaned with an anti-fungal agent and heat-treated , to ensure it retains its beautiful, natural quality.
SIGAVOU STUDIOS LTD A family-owned company founded in 1998, Sigavou Studios prides itself in its reputation as a source of high-quality, unique artwork . Our flagship product is original art by company director Maria Rova. A look through our studio gallery will reveal the trademarks of Maria’s work: Eye-catching , contemporary designs on pure silk and traditional Fijian barkcloth - all of them infused with Maria’’s love of Pacific Island life ! Maria was raised in the United States and Europe, but has lived and worked in Fiji for the past 25 years. Her art is inspired by Fiji’s tropical environment and the rich cultural traditions of her Fijian family. However, Maria’s international background gives her the added edge of feeling at home in a variety of cultures; her artwork is sought after by corporate clients and collectors from around Fiji and across the world. Apart from the women from Maria’s extended family who supply our hand-crafted barkcloth, Sigavou Studios employs a team of young emerging artists and studio technicians to assist with the design and production of hand-painted limited edition art on barkcloth and silk. Fiji-style gifts and mementos such as hand-painted barkcloth book marks and greeting cards are also part of our product range. We look forward to sharing the warmth and vibrant colors of our Pacific Island home with you too!
With warm Fijian greetings from all of us at Sigavou Studios!
Maria Rova Creative & Managing Director Sigavou Studios Ltd PO Box 10244, Nadi, Airport, Fiji Islands Tel: (679) 672 0717 Cell: (679) 935 0421 sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com