Heritage Highlight: Basket Weaving

Before the advent of Tupperware and fancy luggage, baskets were used for storage and transport. There are mass-produced baskets available, but basket weaving in Jamaica is a true work of art because it is completely done by hand and bears the unique signature of the person who made it.

Whether you use cattails, bramble willow, rush, grass, or soft bark, and your method is braiding, twining or plaiting, your heart and soul gets immersed in the craft and the results are stunning.

In as much as we have evolved, the beauty of this ancient pastime is still visible in the craft markets across the island and to a lesser extent on our street vendors. Almost every home has a handy basket stored in a corner.

Basket-weaving is one of the crafts our campers will be learning this summer. We can't wait!


Till den... walk good,
Lorraine

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