25 Aug 2015

Tongan weavers tap into traditional practices

3:37 pm on 25 August 2015

Weavers from the islands of Ha'apai in Tonga are learning a traditional weaving technique unique to the country, with the hope it will help them earn a better living.

Weavers from the islands of Ha'apai in Tonga are learning a traditional weaving technique unique to the country, with the hope it will help them earn a better living.

The Mosikaka technique is used to make baskets for the royal family.

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation says the aims is to empower the women of Ha'apai, whose people are still recovering from the effects of Cyclone Ian.

It's chief executive, Ilisoni Vuidreketi, says the 15 women undergoing training rely on selling their mats for income and it will they can market their goods to tourists.

Ilisoni Vuidreketi says the the weaving technique is another unique selling point for Tonga as a tourist destination.