Fijian women are embracing a significant cultural revival through the Veiqia Project, which aims to restore veiqia, traditional tattoos that symbolize their deep connections to ancestry, land, and family heritage. Joana Monolagi, the workshop organizer and researcher behind the initiative, highlights that although women adorned with these tattoos often face societal stigma, veiqia represents a proud facet of Fijian identity rather than a remnant of barbarism.
The project not only seeks to reinstate the cultural practice of veiqia but also challenges the colonial-era attitudes that historically condemned these markings. Monolagi explains that veiqia serves as a rite of passage for girls in iTaukei culture, marking significant life events such as the onset of menstruation. This tattooing ceremony not only celebrates a young girl’s transition to womanhood but also connects her to her ancestry and totemic heritage.
Before receiving her veiqia, each woman must participate in a consultation process that delves into her family lineage and cultural roots. Monolagi emphasizes the importance of this exploration, encouraging women to converse with their parents and elders, chart their family trees, and understand their totems—a process that is both personal and integral to one’s identity.
To date, the Veiqia Project has successfully reinstated this revered tradition for over 50 women, enabling them to embrace their cultural identities with pride. This movement not only promotes a resurgence of understanding around veiqia but also serves as a testament to the resilience of Fijian women and their heritage.
In a broader context, similar initiatives emphasize the importance of preserving cultural practices among Fijian communities. Through various efforts ranging from the revival of traditional hairstyles to dances such as meke, there is a concerted push to reconnect younger generations with their roots, fostering a sense of pride in their unique cultural identities. As these initiatives gain momentum, they represent a hopeful outlook for the future of Fijian traditions and a unified community embracing its rich heritage.