By Ariana Gordon
HAND-CRAFTED balata products are a tradition that has been passed on from one generation to the next, says Guy Fredericks.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle in Nappi, North Rupununi, Region Nine, Fredericks said he credits his knowledge to his father.
The 39-year-old man represents one of three families in the community that produce hand- crafted balata animals.
“When I was a little boy, I used to admire my grandfather’s craft …. He was the master artisan,” he said, noting that moulding balata animals is what his family does for a living.
Though he grew up in the Makushi Village of Nappi, Fredericks said he had been experiencing financial difficulties, so he travelled to neighbouring Brazil in search of greener pastures.
Unfortunately, things did not favour him there and he returned to his village where he had to find a means of providing for himself.
“When I came back there was no other way I could get money,” he said. The “Balata man” told the Guyana Chronicle that he started his craft business in 1998, shortly after meeting his wife.
“My father is not a rich man… and all he gave me is a pot,” he said. “Son go make a living,” Fredericks recalled his father told him, pointing to the very pot he had sitting on a fireside outside of his home.
The former Nappi Toshao calls the pot the “Million dollar pot” and will stop using it only when it has a hole. The “Balata man” specialises in making animals that are common to the hinterland.

“I use simple tools and I make many animals… the Red Bill Toucan, the Harpy Eagle, the Canje Pheasant, the Spider Monkey, jaguars… you name it.”
Though he loves crafting the animals, Fredericks said it is oftentimes challenging to source materials due to lack of financing.

BIGGEST ORDER
But despite those challenges, he has been able to secure a market for his craft. He disclosed that he is currently working on “the biggest order” he has ever received — since he started the business — from Sterling Products Limited.
He is required to produce 1200 pieces of animals as per specification by the client.
“I have sent the first batch, I am working on the second batch and then I have to do the third batch,” he noted.
Though slow, Fredericks said his business is growing and has a bright future.
“I got my first loan with GBTI which is the Green loan with low interest rates and that is how I purchase my materials.”
The Guyana Tourism Authority, the Rupununi Eco Hotel, Iwokrama and a craft shop at the Hibiscus Plaza are all clients of the “Balata man.”
He takes between one and two hours to complete a single animal and would complete 10 in any given day.
“It is very time-consuming, you get frustrated sitting at one spot all day…. I work into the night,” he said, but due to the lack of electricity, he is considering the purchase of a solar panel.
“Republic Bank approached me… so the next loan I am going for is to buy a solar panel… so I would work in the nights.”
After accomplishing that, the determined Fredericks intends to “improve the working conditions here [at his home] and build a good workshop”.
He hopes to one day build a mansion from the revenue received from his business.

TEDIOUS
Fredericks explained that while making hand-crafted balata animals is his passion, it is a tedious job. To get the required colour of the animals, he is required to dye the balata.
“If I have to do Spider Monkeys, I get my black colour… it is very difficult to do one piece with different colours,” he noted.
Given the fact that he is assisted only by his wife, Fredericks said it is a tiresome process.
“It is just me and my wife. I was my dad’s apprentice and I came out on my own, then she was my apprentice and then she came out on her own,” he said jovially, noting that it is now a competition between him and his wife.
“She is better,” he said, giving his wife praise for all the assistance and support she has shown him.
“Not everybody is interested in doing craft, there are about three families that do the craft… and the little money filters down to the community.”
Meanwhile, Fredericks noted that his products are affordable, as they are being sold at $1000 per animal on retail while the wholesale price is $800 per animal.
He creates the animals for clients on a first-come-first-served basis, with consideration being given to those who require the products urgently.
“For Rodeo, we will be doing the Cow Boys and have them on display at the Eco Hotel,” said the “Balata man,” who uses social media to advertise his craft.
Asked whether he remembers the details of each of the animals he has created, Fredericks responded in the affirmative, noting that because of specialists reviewing his work, he has books he uses for reference.
“I have books that I check the details… what we found out is that specialists come, go and buy the pieces and would pick up the mistakes… the toes, stripes… but before I go to make a Spider Monkey, it is already fixed in my mind…”
He explained that the families that currently make hand-crafted balata animals are the best at the art. “We don’t use moulds, we hand and sculpt it,” he said.
Now that his business is receiving more attention, Fredericks travels to Georgetown from time to time to meet with clients and to attend exhibitions. He has participated in both GuyExpo and the Business Expo.