Magimagi
Magimagi is the Fijian braided coconut fiber cord that binds the structural elements of traditional Fijian bure (thatched house) and the lashings of traditional drua canoes. Magimagi braiding uses a multiple-strand round braid in which the strand count determines the cord diameter and the specific binding application — 4-strand for fine decorative work, 8-strand for structural architectural binding, 16-strand for canoe lashing. The defining technical knowledge is the round braid angle calibration: each strand must pass at approximately 45 degrees to the cord axis — assessed by the 'diamond check': the braid surface shows diamond shapes at correct angle; elongated diamonds: angle too steep; flat diamonds: angle too shallow. 'Perfect diamonds mean perfect strength.'
Risk level: Critically Endangered · Fiji national ICH list
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