This design by The Veiqia Project collective member Margaret Aull (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Rarawa, Fijian) is called Qaqa, meaning strength. The design was given this name by artist Joana Monolagi in honour of Margaret’s journey in becoming a daubati (tattooist). The design features several motifs related to veiqia. The depiction of the snake represents Adi Vilaiwasa, Degei’s daughter who was the first wearer of qia. The qia gusu (facial marking) can be seen in the top of the design and The Veiqia Project’s initials can be seen taking the form of a tanoa (kava bowl) in the centre of the design.
Margaret Aull
Margaret Aull (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Rarawa, Fijian) is a curator, artist, and arts manager known for her interdisciplinary approach and advocacy within the arts sector. She has a rich history of curating exhibitions that engage deeply with cultural narratives and wellbeing, most notably co-curating the 2022 exhibition “Toi is Rongoā” at Waikato Museum, which explored the relationship between art and healing. Her leadership reflects her commitment to using art as a tool for community engagement and cultural rejuvenation.
The Veiqia Project is a collective of Indigenous Fijian women based in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Formed in 2015 The Veiqia Project has worked at the intersection of art making, exhibitions, research and community engagement to share veiqia with Indigenous Fijian women.
Wearing these t-shirts increases the visibility of veiqia (Indigenous Fijian women’s skin-marking). Proceeds will go directly to supporting the work of The Veiqia Project.
Thanks to Litia for the stunning pics x
