Meleane Saliba Lives: Delahey,...

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Meleane Saliba Ancestry: Tongan Born: Tokamoelolo, Tonga Lives: Delahey, Victoria

Koe Koka’anga ‘a e Fefine mei he Fu’u Fā ko Tapusōlōva, 2012, feta’aki, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm My cultural roots originate from the Kingdom of Tonga from a village called Tokamoelolo. My maternal grandmother was a single mother bringing up seven children. I have always remembered her doing Koka’anga’ (tapa making) with her sisters and other women in the village. My grandmother’s Koka’anga was also the means to earn money so she could provide for her family’s needs.

My migration path has been greatly influenced by the strong women in my families. I am not discounting my paternal upbringing in this story; it has always been there, I only wanted to share my maternal nurturing by these influential women who have moulded my upbringing.

I came to Melbourne through Aotearoa. Currently, my immediate family consists of myself, my husband who is Australian born with parents of Mediterranean and English background. We have two boys who have inherited and enriched their lives with these sources of cultural wealth. My ngatu (the Tongan word for a finished tapa) is my cultural interpretation of my migration journey. I have used traditional designs called Manulua, Tokelau Feletoa, Kalou, Amoamokofe and Matahihifi. These kupesi (stencils) were redesigned by my grandmother and includes Fakalala ‘o Saia Lausi’i. All of these designs are incorporated with European/Maltese designs of spirals found in historic Maltese temples and heraldic symbols like the fleur de-lis to represent all my family’s cultural connections with links that touch and embrace each other. I have used Australian dessert colours but have left the cloth in its natural roughness so others can appreciate its beauty.


Margaret Pulepule Ancestry: Solosolo, Falelatai, Saluafata, Manono, Lefaga, Western Samoa Born: Auckland, New Zealand Lives: Tarneit, Victoria

Malosi, 2012, siapo, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm I was born in Auckland, New Zealand to Samoan parents. “Auckland is where my belly button is buried” as the Samoan saying goes… that is my only tie to New Zealand. My father moved to Melbourne searching for the Australian dream. He found a job and worked to provide us with a home so his family could flourish with the opportunities provided by this great country – this all happened in 1980. I am Samoan by heritage, Kiwi by birthright and Australian through and through. The designs on my tapa depict the strength required by my family to overcome the barriers given by this country like seeking employment, finding a home, deflecting racial taunts and more. My parents have instilled in me the strength to be able to do anything, like that of the Samoan Goddess Nafanua. The weapon of Nafanua is called faamategataua, which has 7 blades – one for my sister and me, one each for my three brothers and two for my parents. The spear at the top represents my husband whom I see as my protector. The white dots represent the owners of this land, Indigenous Australia who share with my family the earth we stand upon. The trunk of the coconut tree stands majestically to the far right; its strength can withstand natural disasters. The tattoo patterns flecked with gold represents the strength required for a woman to get a Samoan tattoo called the malu with spade-like koru (Maori for ‘loop’) patterns as my children. Colours that appealed to me were the hues of Ayers Rock; reddish dirt like earthy browns because it reminded me of my bellybutton buried in the earth of Aotearoa. Samoan legend also tells that Nafanua was created from the word Nana i Fanua (hidden earth).


Lana Lalagofaatasi Sila-La’asia Born: Solosolo, Falelatai, Saluafata, Western Samoa Raised: Auckland New Zealand Lives: Braybrook, Victoria

Fa’asao, 2012, siapo, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm I was born in Solosolo, Samoa and migrated to Auckland New Zealand in 1972 where my roots were established in Point Chevalier. I attended school and worked in Auckland, New Zealand. I eventually decided to migrate to Melbourne with my husband. We were blessed with six children. I decided to design my tapa around the ideas of Fa’asao or in English ‘Preservation’. I love to preserve plants, flowers and to help my sisters with their floral arrangements and bouquets. My designs also conjure up the beginning of my favourite bible passage: “He maketh me lie down in green pastures, he leadeth me beside still waters.” (Psalms 23:2) As my tapa is mostly green, reflecting the colour of nature, it also symbolises my growth, harmony, freshness and fertility in Melbourne.


Ali’itasi T Trood Born: Solosolo, Falelatai, Saluafata, Western Samoa Raised: Auckland, New Zealand Lives: Truganina, Victoria

Fealofani Lili o Samoa, 2012, siapo, cassava paste, acrylic, 150cm x 150cm Born in 1957 in Apia Samoa, my families are from Falelatai, Solosolo and Saluafata. They were the strong influences in my life. My journey began at birth, blessed from my great-great-grandparents, grandparents and elders. I migrated with my parents, two brothers and a sister to New Zealand. I spent seven years in New Zealand, got married and had three children. In 1980 we migrated to Australia and had two more children. Having resided in Melbourne for the last 32 years, I consider Australia ‘home’. I have christened my siapo (tapa cloth) Fealofani, meaning harmony. Within a large family, without Fealofani there is no Filemu (peace). The ship of my journey is built with faith, hope, culture, my heritage, and my Samoan/Australian community. The outer corners of my siapo design represent the open windows of my Samoan fale (house), together with the woven mats and adornments that I weaved with my grandmother. The Australian colours of green and gold weave an Afa (woven coconut sinew) to make strong ropes, which represents symbols of strength in my family’s journey. In the centre drifts long white clouds with a silver fern lining reminiscent of my youth in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 18 of my grandchildren surround the outer shell of my siapo connecting me with them on Australian soil, where they were all born. The petals of the lily in the centre of my siapo represent my five children. My journey in seeking a future for my family has taken me away from Samoa, but my heart is at peace knowing the Fealofani Lili o Samoa has found roots in Melbourne.


Frances Masina Trood Ancestry: Solosolo, Falelatai, Saluafata, Manono, Lefaga, Western Samoa Born: Auckland, New Zealand Lives: Truganina, Victoria

Faavavau, 2012, siapo, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm No beginning and no end. My design began with the word Faavavau (eternity). My family means everything to me. I was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1976 and moved to Melbourne in 1980 together with my brother, sister and parents. The outer edge of my design has many flowers, reflective of the many members of my family. The Fala (pandanus mat) patterns are my Samoan heritage in the colours of the Samoan flag. The black ring symbolises my loved ones that have passed on. Further inwards are the waves from a sea that stretches on forever. The colour aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection. The centre of my piece is divided into four, signifying my three children and me. The use of indigenous colours represents our ties to the Australian land. The Southern Cross sits at the centre of my piece as a compass that has guided my journey from Samoa in the Pacific to Melbourne, Australia – this set of stars can be seen from any part of the world. If I so choose to continue my journey to other corners of the globe, I would merely look upwards to find my compass.


Frances Maaria Tua (Ngati Tainui) Born: Tokoroa, New Zealand Lives: Werribee, Victoria

Whanau Aiga, 2012, siapo, cassava paste, acrylic, 150cm x 150cm One word that best describes my tapa piece is Whanau or Aiga meaning ‘Family – togetherness, love and eternal’. I was born in 1980 at Tokoroa, New Zealand. I belong to Tainui. I first travelled to Melbourne in 1986 with my parents, seeking a brighter future for our family. My mother became very ill so at the age of 10 we returned to New Zealand. At 16 I returned to Melbourne, met the love of my life and we now have nine beautiful children. My tapa design is personally unique to my immediate Whanau because it is an artwork that is imprinted on my husband’s skin as a Tatau (tattoo) -- designs of birds in flight, fish, stool, mat, kava bowl, shark teeth flax and a Samoan fale (house). The silver fern represents my New Zealand heritage with colours from the Maori flag. The koru (Maori for ‘loop’) patterns underneath the fern represent my five girls. The flower represents me. Beneath the Samoan flag are four koru patterns representing my four boys. The kava bowl alongside the Fue and Toto’o represents my husband. The intertwining of the Samoan designs is an acknowledgement that my children are both Samoan and Maori. There are also four birds to the top right hand corner that marks my respect for both my parents and my in-laws. All the ideas behind my tapa are symbolic of my Whanau or Aiga who are always a part of me wherever I go…


Nikki Fong Ancestry: Lau, Fiji & Chinese, Maori Born: Auckland, New Zealand Lives: Truganina, Victoria

Hei Matau, 2012, masi, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm My name is Nikki Fong and I am 14 years old. I have lived in Melbourne for the past eight years. My tapa is about my heritage, my family and my journey. I am very proud of my family and my heritage and they are important to me. My tapa shows my Fijian, Maori and Chinese heritage in the design and colours. My journey began in New Zealand but my families have come from many different places.


‘Epenisa Liku Finefeuiaki Born: Ma’ufanga, Tonga Raised: Sydney, New South Wales Lives: Truganina, Victoria

Fuka ‘o e Fiefia, 2012, feta’aki, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm I was born and raised in Tonga by my grandparents as my parents left the country looking for better life for our family. My background is Tongan and British as my great-great-grandfather is from Britain. Religion is part of our life and beliefs. My grandparents’ played a big role in my upbringing because they raised and taught me how to appreciate everything in life. Helping each other was also very important, through doing chores from a very young age like cleaning the house, cooking and washing. My sister represented Tonga in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, which was a very proud moment for my family. When I moved to Australia everything was new and strange but the most important thing was being united and working hard. We were the happiest until the passing of my father, which left a large gap in our lives. Despite the scars of the painful loss we have coped by sticking together for support. I got married, moved to Melbourne. We stayed with an uncle while saving for our first home. We have been blessed with our son Aaron, enjoying our work life and are now living in our newly bought home. All of these things are depicted in my tapa design as a flag of happiness.


Lata-e-Falesiu Taipaleti Siu Born: Kolovai, Tonga Lived: Auckland, New Zealand Lives: Truganina, Victoria

Milolua, 2012, feta’aki, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm My story begins with the colourful flower sitting on the lower left-hand corner of my tapa design. This represents Kolovai where I was born, protected by an ironbark native tree with six flying foxes depicting the number of siblings there are in my family. The traditional kava bowl in the middle with a young teenage girl sitting in the middle encompasses Kolovai’s traditional role during the royal kava ceremony – Milolua. The turtle and chicken tells the story of my husband’s village Hōfoa, where two of our children were born. Memories of fragrant hibiscus come to me when thinking of our little home in his village. We moved to New Zealand in 1996 where nine of our children were born. Nine kiwis represent these children with one child sadly dying. The hues of the sunset reflect the setting of the sun in my village Kolovai and rising in Melbourne, where my husband and I have chosen to start a new life with our ten children.


Andrea Fong Ancestry: Lau, Fiji & Chinese Born: Lau, Fiji Raised: Auckland, New Zealand Lives: Truganina, Victoria

Black Hibiscus, 2012, masi, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm I was born and raised in Fiji until the age of 12 when my family migrated to New Zealand. The designs and colours of my masi (bark) relate to my Fijian and Chinese heritage. The red hibiscus and black colouring is prominent on my designs reflecting the national flower of Fiji and the red colour of my Chinese heritage. The koru (Maori for ‘loop’) touches on my life in New Zealand and the Maori heritage of my two girls. I am always reminded wherever I go that I come from the Black Islands full of red hibiscus.


Sesilia Veamatahau Wardell Born: Kolofo’ou, Ma’ufanga, Tonga Lives: Thomastown, Victoria

Lōsē Mātala Koe Kilisitala, 2012, feta’aki, cassava paste, acrylic, 150cm x 150cm I migrated to Australia in 1984 from the friendly Islands, Tonga. My ngatu (the Tongan word for a finished tapa) design starts in the centre and works its way out. The circle in the middle holds together my family. In the middle of the circle is one flower – me, surrounded by my four daughters. The large petals reflect my dreams for my daughters’ spirit to grow and flourish. Each petal has its own bright colour that represents their unique self. They are facing outwards towards their own destiny but supported by the leaves, which is my husband and I. As parents they can always lean on us if needed. Lastly, I’ve created my own interpretation of Tongan traditional designs and patterns blended with the Australian colours of gold and green. The borders outline the mix of patterns and colours from both countries and embraces where I am today in this multicultural country.


Ma’ata Palavi-Makasini Born: Tokomololo, Ha’afeva, Tonga Raised: Melbourne, Victoria Lives: Taylors Hill, Victoria

A Birth to Rebirth of Heritage, 2012, feta'aki, cassava paste, acrylic, 150cm x 150cm A child, to a girl, to a woman, with the massive influence of a Tongan Heritage. I have seen growth through a cultural path, a path that in many parts is straight forward, not by choice, but by background. My life began in Tokomololo, a small village in Tongatapu. A rich heritage is present to me from the beginning; we lived in thatched homes, drank rain water, lacked resources, we learnt to share what we had, created our own toys and often only had one electrical outlet for a single light bulb. I arrived in New Zealand in 1985 and only stayed for two weeks with family. Opportunity is rare, so when the chance came to move to a new home in Australia, I jumped at the chance. When I came to Melbourne in December 1985 I experienced culture shock and cultural confusion. Absorbing a new culture put many pressures upon me. My newfound Australian culture clashed with my Pacific norms and it was difficult to maintain my Tongan identity. Over the years I have learnt to create my own Australian culture that is suited to my Tongan heritage. My design depicts my journey in segments or stages; from the Island home in Tonga, entering New Zealand, then Melbourne, where I met my husband. We are now blessed with a daughter Heilala ‘o Fa’onelua ‘Ungatea Fotofili Makasini. I have kept my connection to my culture through the use of the natural earthy tones, but have chosen abstract forms to tell my story. This new phase in my migration journey is only the beginning, but there is an overwhelming sense of joy that Australia has provided me with so much.


Lavinia Taipaleti – Valu Born: Kolovai, Tonga Raised: Sydney, New South Wales Lives: Sunshine, Victoria

Fa’unga Fo’ou, 2012, feta’aki, cassava paste, acrylic paint, 150cm x 150cm I lived peacefully by the beach in Kolovai with my family of 8, until Hurricane Isaac destroyed my family home and we were forced to swim for our lives in order to survive. As the eldest, at 18 I left my family, my village and Tonga to migrate to Sydney in order to help my parents rebuild our family home. I met my husband; we had our first child and decided to move to Melbourne in search of a brighter future. We now have four beautiful children, our own home and still support both our families in Tonga. My ngatu (the Tongan word for a finished tapa) designs tell the story of the destruction of my humble home, the move to Sydney and the long drive to Melbourne with all our belongings packed into our Holden. The colours of the sunset are prominent in my design as Kolovai is always radiant at dusk when the sun is setting.

Meleane Saliba Lives: Delahey,...

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