The Tree of Life

The Amerindian Nations of Guyana have always been recognized for their abundant contributions to society and for their part in shaping the cultural landscape of the country.
The story of their lives has been told in various ways, including dance, song, stories and a proliferation of art and craft, among other things.
Craft Products made out of material from the Ite Palm  ( Adrian Narine Photo )Despite their collective contributions, however, each of the nations has their unique, inherent method of portraying themselves through the medium of their choice.
For the residents of the Lokono (Arawak) Village of St.Cuthbert’s Mission, their craft products are not merely an approach towards self-sufficiency, but also provide an avenue for self-expression.
They fabricate their creations, beginning with material obtained from the Ité Palm, which they consider the ‘Tree of Life’.
This is a very versatile plant as it is functional in every aspect of the daily lives of the people, with all of its products being 100% organic and bio-degradable.
Before the intricately designed craft can be produced, the raw material first has to be harvested from the branches of the palm.
The branches, or ‘spires’, are taken from the tree and stripped to reveal the substance, which will become known as ‘Tibisiri’.
To those who have never tried it before, this can be a painstaking process, as a special technique is required.
After observing this practice, the conclusion is reached that only expert hands can complete this task, which is done by experts with lightning efficiency.
Once the material is released from its encasing, it is tied into bundles and boiled in water for five minutes.
The versatile Ite palm.At this stage, colour can be infused into the strips by using fabric dyes or coloured water during boiling.
As it emerges, it is still not ready for use and is then taken and laid out to be dried, a procedure which lasts for three days.
This completed, the material, resembling straw but known as ‘Tibisiri’, is then considered ready to be worked.
To witness the skilled and artistically inclined Lokono women weaving dried ‘Tibisiri’ that will produce unique pieces of craft is an amazing opportunity.
With concentration evident on their faces, they roll and twist and braid and bend the material, using their arms, fingers, legs and toes to ensure that quality is the trademark of their skill.
Emerging from their efforts are marketable, multi-coloured or plain, if you prefer it, mats, hammocks, coasters, baskets,  place mats and other items, bearing the invisible mark of pride and dedication.
The task is never viewed by the talented toilers as tedious, but rather an entertaining way to pass the day while catching up with old friends or simply basking in reflective quietude.
The end products are presented for sale during special occasions, such as the Village Day celebrations on the 25th September,  in commemoration of Amerindian Heritage Month, or sold to craft shops to be peddled to tourists and locals alike.
The usefulness of the Ite Palm, however, is by no means restricted to this function.
The dried leaves could be used for thatching or making items of clothing, the fruit can be eaten or made into a delicious drink.
Though not very much is done with the trunk when compared with the rest of the tree, it is still useful. The trunk is used as stepping beams across swamps and as a growing bed for a certain kind of worm, which is a very tasty food.
For the Amerindians, especially the Arawak (Lokono), Carib and Warau, the ‘Tree of Life’ provides a plethora of usages, including food, shelter and clothing, all the basic necessities for supporting existence.

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