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Culture At Risk | Anthropological Evidence Of The 15 Intended Itaukei Tapa Cloth (Masi) Motifs Pre-Dating The Creation Of The Air Pacific/Fiji Airways Logo, Cresantia F. Koya Vaka'uta

Cresantia Frances Koya Vaka'uta

This short paper examines the history of Tapa (bark cloth) in order to show that the fifteen indigenous kesakesa designs (symbols) identified as trademark worthy by Air Pacific/Fiji Airways are a significant part of the cultural heritage of the iTaukei peoples of Fiji. It will also show that Tapa and the designs/motifs found within tapa are often shared cultural designs across the Pacific. The position taken is that all forms of cultural heritage expressions must remain the intellectual property of their indigenous owners from whom this knowledge, skills and art forms originate. The premise is that NO COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE can …