| Formation | 1 April 1993 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Products | Niuean handicrafts |
Falepipi he Mafola ("House of Peace") is a Niuean handicrafts group based in New Zealand.
The organisation's members first came together on 1 April 1993, and Falepipi he Mafola was formally incorporated on 19 August 1994. [1] [2] [3] It was founded with the aim of empowering older Niueans and bringing them together as a community, as well as sustaining their connection to their home island. [1] Its members meet weekly in the Auckland suburb of Ōtāhuhu. [1] [2] [3]
Its founding members included Molima Molly Pihigia, who migrated from Niue to New Zealand in 1970, and her husband Fataiki Pihigia. [1] Other notable members have included Tiresa Fasi, Foufili Halagigie, and Mokahele Halagigie. [1] Although its mission centres older craftspeople, members range in age from their 30s to their 90s; [1] [2] they are primarily women. [4]
Falepipi he Mafola primarily produces Niuean woven handicrafts such as lili (wall hangings), iliili (hand fans), trays, and baskets. [1] [5] Other handicrafts produced include carvings and netting. [2] Its members generally use materials that are easier to source in Auckland, such as raffia, kaniu (coconut leaf ribs), and recycled plastic, rather than the traditional laufa ( pandanus leaves). [1] [6] The group has also released recordings of Niuean songs and hymns, including 2005's Niue Haku Motu Volume 1 and 2010's Fanogonogo Ke He Leo Volume 2, [1] [2] and worked to promote the Niuean language. [5]
In 2009, the organisation was awarded the Pacific Heritage Art Award as part of the Arts Pasifika Awards for its "active community engagement with promotion of Niuean heritage arts." [1] [2] Pieces produced by the group are included in the collection of Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum. [3]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Pihigia, Molima Molly (16 December 2021). "Falepipi he Mafola – A House of Peace". Pantograph Punch. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f Udanga, Romy (2 December 2009). "Women's group has heart for art". Stuff. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ a b c Akeli, Safua; Pasene, Shane (2011). "Exploring 'the Rock': Material culture from Niue Island in Te Papa's Pacific Cultures collection". Tuhinga. 22.
- ^ Hermann, Elfriede; Kempf, Wolfgang; Meijl, Toon van (1 September 2014). Belonging in Oceania: Movement, Place-Making and Multiple Identifications. Berghahn Books. ISBN 978-1-78238-416-8.
- ^ a b "NZ Pacific artists honoured at festival". Scoop. 14 November 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
- ^ Thode-Arora, Hilke (2007). ""How Can We Weave in a Strange Land?" Niuean Weavers in Auckland". Pacific Arts. 3/5: 46–59. ISSN 1018-4252. JSTOR 23412049.