Fulaga artisan earns a living through traditional woodcarving

A Fulaga man has turned traditional woodcarving into a steady source of income, supporting his family and keeping his cultural skills alive.

Kaveri Tokasaya Muanaicake, 46, has been carving wood since he was 14 years old. After leaving school at an early age, he continued to practise the craft, eventually relying on it as his main livelihood.

Kaveri sells his handmade carvings to tourists who visit Fulaga on super yachts and cruise vessels. The income he earns helps cover daily needs on the island and has also supported his children’s education.

He said woodcarving has allowed him to remain on the island while providing for his family, using skills passed down through generations.

The recent visit to Lau by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, was seen as a positive moment for Kaveri and other villagers. Residents were able to raise concerns directly with government officials and share ideas on how tourism on Fulaga could be further developed.

Villagers say better support for community-based tourism could create more opportunities for locals who rely on traditional skills for income.

Kaveri’s story reflects how cultural knowledge and craftsmanship continue to play an important role in sustaining livelihoods in Fiji’s outer islands.