A big part of Guyana’s culture and that of its first people, the Amerindians, is art and craft, and during the celebrations of Amerindian Heritage Month, various art and craft are placed on display.
While many enjoy the luxury and fashion of the Amerindian crafts, there are many who do not know about the creative process of making bows, hats, mats, dresses and other products using Tibiseri straw.
In this edition of the Buzz, Gloria Shuman of St. Cuthbert’s mission, who has been making handcraft for most of her life, shared briefly how the Tibiseri straw is made, and how weaving dried ‘Tibiseri’ can produce unique pieces of craft.
The first step is to strip the tree leaves of the palm, after such is complete the straw is then placed into boiling water for two to three minutes until it comes afloat in the water.
This process she notes helps to preserved and keep the straw.
After this process is complete, the straw is then placed in some cooler water, which she notes helps get rid of the gooey substance that is in the straw.
The straw is then hung out to air dry in natural sunlight for some three to four days. After this process is completed, the Tibiseri straw will now be ready to use and proceed to craft.
In this creative process, nothing is left to waste, the husk of the palm is also used to craft many products. However, the husk does not take as much work as the Tibiseri straw to process as it is just left in the sun for some three to four days.
After this process, dyes and other colours can be added to the straw to create various colours and patterns.
The list of items that can be made from the Tibiseri straw are endless, from bags, skirts, mats, bowls and hammocks.
Under normal circumstances, Guyanese would have gathered at various events slated for the month to purchase such items, but owing to the coronavirus pandemic, persons cannot shop or enjoy the arts and crafts they once did in the same atmosphere.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Craft Shop has a variety of art and craft including; jewellery, head-dress, clothing, ornaments and souvenir, hats, baskets, sculptures and much more, all handmade and crafted by the talented craftsmen and women like Gloria Shuman.
These items are available for purchase at our Quamina and Thomas Streets Office from Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 16:00hrs.
When visiting the Ministry’s compound persons are reminded to practice all COVID-19 protocols to protect themselves and others while shopping.
