Sitiveni Fehoko, president of the Tonga National Arts and Handicrafts Association (TNAHA), has expressed concern over the fall in demand for Tongan traditional handicrafts, not due to the introduction of alternative products, but because of shifting local preferences.
“While change is inevitable in Tonga, we must focus on promoting the uniqueness of our own handicrafts to our own people. Many locals now prioritize cheaper, knock-off products, but these will never replace the true value of our traditional crafts,” Fehoko said in an interview with Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC).
Fehoko said that because locals prefer the cheaper imitation products, they give it significance and value over the authentic ones, which is a concern because traditional handicrafts preserve traditional knowledge about Tongan arts and crafts.
Linda ‘Alatini, a seller at Talamahu Market from Ha’alalo village, told TBC that her shop offers both authentic Tongan handicrafts and knock-offs to cater to different customers.
“Making authentic Tongan crafts is costly due to the labour and materials, but foreign-made items are cheaper and easier to produce,” she said.
Alatini said some of her customers can afford the more expensive authentic Tongan handicrafts while others can only buy the knock-offs.
TNAHA is sending a letter to the Ministry of Trade and Economics, raising concerns over the sale of imitation Tongan handicrafts in retail shops, particularly those owned by Asians.