Fiji Turtles
Na Qoli Vonu - Catching Turtles
'Na Qoli Vonu - Catching Turtles' is a Fiji Children's book written entirely in Fijian for children aged 6 to 8 years old. Written by Mr. Mosese Uluicicia, from RFTA - Retired Fijian Teachers Association, with illustrations by Anare Somumu. It has 9 pages.
This book was written by Fijian teachers for teachers or parents - its intended use is in a classroom setting which is why it is A3 size with large font and bright illustrations. It can be placed on an easel in the front of the classroom and read to children who can view easily. It can also be enjoyed at home or anywhere outside of the classroom where children would want to read or hear Fijian stories.
Na Qoli Vonu Book Description
The story is about how young boys paddle out in their canoes to catch turtles. They learn how to immobilise the turtle in the sea by turning it over before the group lift their catch into the canoe.
Some important values that this story teaches include working together as a unit, coordination, knowing and understanding the behavior of the ocean currents, sea creatures and the weather for survival purposes.
IIS, RFTA & FTA - 10 books in the series
This series of 10 books has been put together by the Institute of Indigenous Studies (IIS) Fiji Ltd, which, in the main, is made up of RFTA (retired Fijian Teachers Association- teachers who have retired from teaching). RFTA is a Branch of Fijian Teachers Association, FTA.
All IIS books in this series
- Na Keda Vuata - Our Fruits
- Na Loga Ni Voivoi Nei Bubu Salote - The Pandanus Plantation of Grandmother Salote
- Na Qoli Vonu - Catching Turtles
- Jone Na Dautataro - Jone The Kind Considerate Boy
- O Mosese Kei Viliame - Mosese & Viliame
- Na Siganisucu Nei Marica - Marica’s Birthday
- O Iratou Na Veitavaleni - The Three Cousins
- O Tomu Kei Popi - Tom & Poppy
- Na Volivolitaki Ena Makete - Selling at the Market
- Na Sisi Ni Qele - Landslide
English notes that explain the illustrations and Fijian text
| Page No. | Fijian Book 'Na Qoli Vonu - Catching Turtles' - Illustration Notes in English |
|---|---|
| Page 5: | Early on Thursday morning, young boys paddle out in 6 canoes to the bay of Yagaca island. This bay is well known as a haven for turtles. |
| Page 7: | As they continue to paddle Pita shouts out the first sighting. Pita: “A……. turtle...!!” |
| Page 9: | Viliame is the first to jump into the sea and follow the sighted turtle. He holds onto the 2 front flippers and immobilise the turtle by turning it upside down. Save and Fili join Viliame in the water and the three land the turtle in the canoe. They then head back home. |
Fiji Author - Mr. Mosese Sasala Uluicicia
Originally from Mualevu in Vanua Balavu, but born and bred in Namacu, Koro. A retired primary and secondary school teacher. Served in many parts of Fiji. A former Principal of secondary schools, and a former Divisional Education Officer, Northern Division. Was a member of the Lau Provincial Council, Chairman of the Suva Rural Local Authority and became the first Special Administrator for new Nasinu Town Council. Obtained B.A and Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of the South Pacific.
Taku and the Plastic Bag Children's book
Taku and the Plastic Bag Children's Book
This lovely Fiji Children's Book is written and illustrated by Sharon Light. The second of the Fiji Reef People stories tells the tale of Taku the turtle. He has a very dangerous encounter with a plastic bag. Can his many fishy friends save this friendly little turtle?
About Sharon Light
Sharon has spent the last 15 years painting apparel, since mid 2003 she has concentrated on paintings. Keen on fishing and diving, currently holding the World Record (women) for great barracuda. Sharon Light is a descendant of a settler family that arrived in Fiji in 1869 to grow cotton in Ra.
Children's Turquoise Turtle Bag
This lovely Children's Fijian Turtle bag is made with vibrant Fijian fabric, pink Hibiscus and green and orange leaves against a turquoise background with green turtle head, tail, arms and legs. The underside of the turtle has a zip section where items can be placed securely inside the bag. It's a really beautiful and vibrant turtle bag that kids will love. Really cute gift for children, goes well with other items from our Children's Gifts section.
Measures approx. 16.5cm wide, 23.5cm from tip of nose to edge of tail. Strap length is approx 50cm from top of strap to top of bag.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabric, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids Fiji.
Children's Red Turtle Bag
This lovely Children's Fijian Turtle bag is made with vibrant Fijian fabric, orange flowers and green leaves against a red background with green turtle head, tail, arms and legs. The underside of the turtle has a zip section where items can be placed securely inside the bag. It's a really beautiful and vibrant turtle bag that kids will love. Really cute gift for children, goes well with other items from our Children's Gifts section.
Measures approx. 16.5cm wide, 23.5cm from tip of nose to edge of tail. Strap length is approx 50cm from top of strap to top of bag.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabric, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids Fiji.
Children's Blue Turtle Bag
This lovely Children's Fijian Turtle bag is made with vibrant Fijian fabric. It has a blue background with purple/violet flowers and leaves with green turtle head, tail, arms and legs. The underside of the turtle has a zip section where items can be placed securely inside the bag. It's a really beautiful and vibrant turtle bag that kids will love. Really cute gift for children, goes well with other items from our Children's Gifts section.
Measures approx. 16.5cm wide, 23.5cm from tip of nose to edge of tail. Strap length is approx 50cm from top of strap to top of bag.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabric, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids Fiji.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, yellow
Fiji Turtle soft toy, yellow. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, green
Fiji Turtle soft toy, green. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, pink
Fiji Turtle soft toy, pink. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, light green
Fiji Turtle soft toy, light green. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, lime
Fiji Turtle soft toy, lime. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, orange
Fiji Turtle soft toy, orange. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, purple
Fiji Turtle soft toy, purple. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Turtle Soft Toy, blue
Fiji Turtle soft toy, blue. Suitable for babies, toddlers and children. Size - 9 inches from tip of nose to end of shell.
Made in Fiji with vibrant Fijian fabrics, beautifully designed and made by Coconut Kids.
Available in multiple colours - yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, light green, orange, lime.
Easy to keep clean - machine washable.
Fiji Green Turtle
“Vonu” is the Fijian word for turtle, painted here in the cool colours of our tropical waters. Turtles are revered in island legends as symbols of wisdom and blessing. Though their numbers have been dwindling, greenback, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles still visit Fiji’s beaches to breed as they journey through the Pacific Ocean along ancient migratory paths.
Fijian ‘masi’, also called barkcloth, is produced by village women on islands such as Vatulele. A renewable resource, masi is made by harvesting strips of bark from specially grown paper-mulberry trees. Each piece takes days to process, involving repeated pounding, soaking and stretching. These traditional skills are passed on from generation to generation, with certain clans being considered the experts in masi-making. The uneven quality of the masi reflects its handmade origin.
Maria Rova lives in Nadi, Fiji. Her artwork is inspired by the wildlife, culture, and scenery of the Pacific, especially that of the remote island of Taveuni to the north of the Fiji group, which is home to her husband’s traditional clan. Sustained by forest and reef, Taveuni villagers still follow many of the ancient cultural practices that give Fijian people their unique identity. The artist wishes to acknowledge gratefully the impact that her Fijian family has had on her work.
Sea Turtles
There are several varieties of sea turtles that visit Fiji waters on their annual migration through the Pacific Ocean. Now listed as endangered species, these creatures feature in Pacific legends as symbols of wisdom and good fortune. The patterns on the backs of the three turtles in this painting echo the geometric designs of traditional Fijian masi art.
Fijian ‘masi’, also called barkcloth, is produced by village women on islands such as Vatulele. A renewable resource, masi is made by harvesting strips of bark from specially grown paper-mulberry trees. Each piece takes days to process, involving repeated pounding, soaking and stretching. These traditional skills are passed on from generation to generation, with certain clans being considered the experts in masi-making. The uneven quality of the masi reflects its handmade origin.
Maria Rova lives in Nadi, Fiji. Her artwork is inspired by the wildlife, culture, and scenery of the Pacific, especially that of the remote island of Taveuni to the north of the Fiji group, which is home to her husband’s traditional clan. Sustained by forest and reef, Taveuni villagers still follow many of the ancient cultural practices that give Fijian people their unique identity. The artist wishes to acknowledge gratefully the impact that her Fijian family has had on her work.
Well Wisher Turtle
The Well Wisher Turtle is a colourful painting featuring a Fijian Turtle and flowers, painted in browns and golds on Masi.
Fijian ‘masi’, also called barkcloth, is produced by village women on islands such as Vatulele. A renewable resource, masi is made by harvesting strips of bark from specially grown paper-mulberry trees. Each piece takes days to process, involving repeated pounding, soaking and stretching. These traditional skills are passed on from generation to generation, with certain clans being considered the experts in masi-making. The uneven quality of the masi reflects its handmade origin.
Maria Rova lives in Nadi, Fiji. Her artwork is inspired by the wildlife, culture, and scenery of the Pacific, especially that of the remote island of Taveuni to the north of the Fiji group, which is home to her husband’s traditional clan. Sustained by forest and reef, Taveuni villagers still follow many of the ancient cultural practices that give Fijian people their unique identity. The artist wishes to acknowledge gratefully the impact that her Fijian family has had on her work.
Three Turtles Art
There are several varieties of sea turtles that visit Fiji waters on their annual migration through the Pacific Ocean. Now listed as endangered species, these creatures feature in island legends as symbols of wisdom and good fortune. The patterns on the backs of the turtles in this painting echo motifs found in traditional art around the region.
Fijian ‘masi’, also called barkcloth, is produced by village women on islands such as Vatulele. A renewable resource, masi is made by harvesting strips of bark from specially grown paper-mulberry trees. Each piece takes days to process, involving repeated pounding, soaking and stretching. These traditional skills are passed on from generation to generation, with certain clans being considered the experts in masi-making. The uneven quality of the masi reflects its handmade origin.
Maria Rova lives in Nadi, Fiji. Her artwork is inspired by the wildlife, culture, and scenery of the Pacific, especially that of the remote island of Taveuni to the north of the Fiji group, which is home to her husband’s traditional clan. Sustained by forest and reef, Taveuni villagers still follow many of the ancient cultural practices that give Fijian people their unique identity. The artist wishes to acknowledge gratefully the impact that her Fijian family has had on her work.
Three Turtles Art earth tones
Similar to the Three Turtles Art in green/gold/purple tones, this painting is in earth tones.
Fijian ‘masi’, also called barkcloth, is produced by village women on islands such as Vatulele. A renewable resource, masi is made by harvesting strips of bark from specially grown paper-mulberry trees. Each piece takes days to process, involving repeated pounding, soaking and stretching. These traditional skills are passed on from generation to generation, with certain clans being considered the experts in masi-making. The uneven quality of the masi reflects its handmade origin.
Maria Rova lives in Nadi, Fiji. Her artwork is inspired by the wildlife, culture, and scenery of the Pacific, especially that of the remote island of Taveuni to the north of the Fiji group, which is home to her husband’s traditional clan. Sustained by forest and reef, Taveuni villagers still follow many of the ancient cultural practices that give Fijian people their unique identity. The artist wishes to acknowledge gratefully the impact that her Fijian family has had on her work.
Pasifika Masi painting- Emblems of Fiji
This Fijian Masi painting is one of a pair, celebrating emblems of Fiji’s forests and seas. Traditional legends feature many of the animals found in Fiji’s reefs, explaining how they got there, or attributing magical powers to them. One of the spirits worshiped by ancient Fijians was a sea snake, revered as especially powerful. Turtles, on the other hand, were symbols of good luck, bringing blessings to those who encountered them!
This Fiji painting features a Fiji Turtle, Sea snake, crab, fish, palm trea and shell.
Fijian ‘masi’, also called barkcloth, is produced by village women on islands such as Vatulele. A renewable resource, masi is made by harvesting strips of bark from specially grown paper-mulberry trees. Each piece takes days to process, involving repeated pounding, soaking and stretching. These traditional skills are passed on from generation to generation, with certain clans being considered the experts in masi-making. The uneven quality of the masi reflects its handmade origin.
Maria Rova lives in Nadi, Fiji. Her artwork is inspired by the wildlife, culture, and scenery of the Pacific, especially that of the remote island of Taveuni to the north of the Fiji group, which is home to her husband’s traditional clan. Sustained by forest and reef, Taveuni villagers still follow many of the ancient cultural practices that give Fijian people their unique identity. The artist wishes to acknowledge gratefully the impact that her Fijian family has had on her work.
Framing instructions
This artwork has been left unframed for ease of shipping.
When ready to frame, simply peel the painting from its temporary backing and mount on a coloured background of your choice, leaving the rough edges of the masi showing to enhance its natural look.
Orange & Yellow Turtle Greeting Card
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in the colours of Sunset. Hand-painted by Namana Fiji on the Coral Coast of Vitu Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Turtle Greeting Card - Light Pink & Gold
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in light pink and gold. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Gold & Purple
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in gold and purple. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Dark Pink & Gold
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in dark pink and gold. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Light & Dark Pink
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in light and dark pink. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Light Purple
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in light purple. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Dark Purple
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in dark purple. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Green & Gold
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in green and gold. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Green & Blue
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in green and blue. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Blue & Yellow
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in blue and yellow. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Turquoise & Gold
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in turquoise and gold. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Blue
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in blue. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Light Blue & Gold
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in light blue and gold. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Dark Blue & Gold
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in dark blue and gold. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
Turtle Greeting Card - Orange & Gold
Beautiful Fiji Turtle greeting card, in orange and gold. Hand-painted by Tadra Makawa (Ancient dreams in Fijian) on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu.
Cards are hand-crafted on quality card, with blank interior for your personal message. Includes envelope.
Card measures approx 11cm by 12cm, with white envelope provided.
