ICH DOMAIN (5) TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

5.1 Coal Keel

Declining

Branches of wood are collected, cut, and lined up in a large, often round hole. The hole is then covered with branches, bush, and dirt and lit and slowly burned for a couple of days until the charcoal is ready.

5.2 Fish Pots

Declining

These are made with wire and stripped wood. A frame is made in such a way that fish can swim in to get the bait but cannot get out. Pots are dropped in shallow water and emptied by fishermen every few days.

5.3 Fish Traps

Declining

A contraption/device made of wires, rods, fishing-net, or other suitable materials with the purpose of catching fish alive.

5.4 Fishing Nets

Declining 

Fishing nets and throw nets are knitted from strong twine by men and women with the use of wooden tools.

5.5 Kite-Making

Declining

Kites are made from newspaper or other colored paper wrapped and glued around a frame of twigs or wood strips. A tail to stabilize the kite is added, and with the use of a ball of twine, the kite is flown mostly on the beach or other open places.

5.6 Boat-Building

Declining

The trade to build small wooden fishing boats was started as early as the 19th century. The wood used came from local trees but more often from wood imported from nearby islands. Drawings were made and the building of the boat involved the use of plywood and fiberglass.

5.7 Sewing Clothes

Surviving

Today clothes can be sewn by hand or sewing machines and cloth is imported from all around the world. In the past, materials were imported, or bleached flour bags were used.

5.8 Crochet, Embroidery, Patchwork

Declining

From young, girls were taught in school how to embellish clothes, bedcovers, and table clothes using cotton-colored threads for crochet and embroidery and pieces of leftover materials for patchwork. Today, classes are offered for anyone wanting to learn this craft.

5.9 Woodcarving, Whittling 

Declining

This is done by using dead wood from local trees. Men carved and whittled toys, utensils, and other household objects. Today wood is carved for souvenirs such as masks, walking sticks, picture frames, sculptures, and musical instruments.  

5.10 Doll-Making

Declining

In the past, dolls were made by using bottles for the body and rope for the hair. Today dolls are outlined, cut, sewn, and stuffed with sponge and then decorated with different types of threads, cloth, or beads that are used for the features of the doll.

5.11 Palm Tree Basket-Weaving

Declining

In the past, palm or straw weaving or braiding for baskets or hats was taught to women, mostly from the Simpson Bay area. The straw was imported, and palm came from locally grown trees. Today beachside vendors make and sell palm products to tourists.

5.12 Making of Musical Instruments [i.e. banjo, trés, marimba (marimbola), bath pan bass, calabash maracas, tambourine, conch shell horn, steel pan, wax paper, and comb, “corndoodle” (flute made from corn cob), church bell, drums]

Surviving

In the past, instruments were handmade on island from large gourds, tree trunks, animal skin, oil drums, farm utensils, or conch shells. Today few people still make instruments from these items/materials. 

5.13 Rockwall Construction

Surviving

Rock walls were constructed after the land was cleared for agriculture. The rocks were removed, collected, and carefully structured in walls to be used as cattle enclosures, estate boundary markers, or dams to prevent mud slides. Today, these walls are protected as monuments.

5.14 Head Tie

Surviving

Headscarves are simply knotted on the side or in front or back. They are mostly used to cover the hair during celebrations, rituals, certain daily activities, ceremonial purposes, or as a display of African pride. Today head ties are styled according to one’s taste.