“Our ancestors voyaged the world in boats, now it’s time to take on the world in these boots.”
Behind the Design
Across rugby union, league, and AFL, ASICS recognises the significant contribution Polynesian athletes make in the game, bringing exceptional skill and unmatched entertainment on the professional stage.
In recognition of the contribution these players make to the sport and the rich tapestry of Pasifika cultures, ASICS has proudly developed the Voyager pack in partnership with New Zealand-based Samoan Graphic Designer, Jarryd Saifoloi, paying homage to Fijian, Tongan, Māori, and Samoan cultures.
A celebration of the Pasifika players
This collection not only celebrates the prowess of Pasifika players, and other remarkable athletes but honours the diverse cultural heritage inherent in our football codes. The pack serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring Polynesian players, while embodying the values of their communities, family, unity, leadership, respect, and service.
From the Designer
'The Wayfinder'
Wayfinding is the art of non-instrumental exploration and voyaging. As masters of wayfinding, Polynesians have travelled the world for thousands of years. It is in their DNA. The Voyager Pack features a multifaceted design titled 'The Wayfinder' which encompasses the storytelling of The Voyage, Pasifika values and unison.
Multi-Layered Approach
The designer has layered the theme of voyaging with key Pasifika values, to work in unison and to ensure Pasifika heritage, tradition and culture have been honoured. These designs are very intricate and detailed, so by sectioning these elements into layers it helps tell the story of Pasifika people, past, present, and future.
Pasifika Values
Pacific values vary from island to island, and it is important to understand there are differences between, and within, cultural groups. Pacific values are beliefs that Pacific communities regard as desirable, worthy of passing down to generations, and worthy of sharing with others. For this design, the following common key values have been considered.
Panel Descriptions
Samoan Tatau (PANELS 1 & 5)
This section is inspired by Samoan Tatau and tells the story of our ancestors’ great voyages. The patterns within depict the tools, resources, and values needed during these voyages and were passed down through generations. Mirrored on both ends, they represent the beginning and end points of the voyage, highlighting that not all journeys start and end in the same place.
Fijian Masi
Inspired by the Fijian Masi, this design depicts the environments our ancestors encountered during their voyages, embodying their essential qualities and values. It speaks to the Ulunivanua (landscapes and mountains) and the importance of Siga (the sun). When combined, Siga and Ulunivanua signify the dawn of a new day (sun rising over the mountains), a daily reminder of their commitment to their family and community.
Māori Whakairo and Tukutuku
This design draws inspiration from the Māori art forms of Whakairo (carving) and Tukutuku (traditional woven art). It emphasises the importance of tradition, and how we must honour these traditions appropriately and respectfully. It highlights the two-way connection we have with our ancestors emphasising the importance of teaching, inspiring, and leading the next generation.
Tongan Ngatu (Kupesi)
The Kupesi reflects our ancestors' bravery when navigating the great seas, symbolised by the Tokelau Feletoa (tuna fish cross-section). The values of family, community, and service are reinforced through the representation of the Fata'o Tu’i Tonga (sennit beam) portraying our ancestor’s duty to carry their family and community in good light.