I'm sad to see iTaukei ppl on here defending the inappropriate use of Masi Kuvui.

Masi Kuvui is only donned by those of chiefly rank. It has held special significance in our culture for generations, and I found its use here quite ignorant & disrespectful.

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I'm sure the groom didn't intend to offend anyone, but a little research would've told them that this was not OK.

It hurts that this cultural symbol is being appropriated;

But it hurts more seeing fellow indigenous ppl trivializing, tolerating, & even defending this.

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It was also unsettling that fellow iT who called out this appropriation were labelled as RACIST.

This has nothing to do with the groom's ethnicity. If an iT person not of chiefly blood were to do the same, they'd get the same response.

Respect is all I ask for.

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I read thru the many responses to this article, and realized that my opinion is actually quite unpopular - even among iTaukei

Oh well. I end this thread with pictures of a few Fijian Chiefs at traditional ceremonies, donning the Masi Kuvui.

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1. Na Gone Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa - Masi Kuvui on arm.

2. Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua - Masi Kuvui across chest.

3. Ratu Timoci Makutu Vosailagi of the chiefly household Nakuruvakarua - dressed in Masi Kuvui at his wedding.

[end]

Correction: the Paramount Chief, Ro Teimumu, wears the Masi Kuvui as arm-bands on both arms.

If I'm not wrong, this denotes her noble lineage from both maternal & paternal side.