Takeinivula Creation Story Series - The Circle of Life (2002) by Rusiate Lali, 41x41cm

Artwork is freighted on the stretcher frame ready to hang

This painting is from a series painted on the mythology Takeinivula which tells the story of how the artist's ancestors, the Lapita People, travelled from Tonga to Fiji and eventually settled in the province of Rewa. They were early potters and are still recognised for their craft today. Rusiate's grandmother, Taravini Wati was recognised as Fiji's leading potter with a postage stamp in her honour.

The legend says that Takeinivula (artist’s ancestral grandmother) travelled across the sea from Tonga to Fiji guided by a heron. She and her twin sister would metamorphose into the pandanus tree at night and travel as an octopus by day. Takeinivula was impregnated by the moon and produced a powerful son who would become a strong protector for the people of Rewa and closely aligned to the chief.

Many of the women in the family have the name Takeinivula.

This painting is shipped on a frame protected by MDF board for safe travel.