-craftsman Mackernol Albert passes on the tradition

RECOGNISING that the making of Indigenous craft is a dying tradition, Mackernol Albert of Paruima Village in Region Seven is doing his part to ensure that his skills are passed on to the next generation.

The craftsman is teaching one of his sons how to make unique ornaments and pieces of jewellery out of materials found in the forest surrounding his village.

“I have three sons, two are teachers and the one I have here with me, he helps me out with the craft and I’m glad,” he recently told Guyana Chronicle from his booth at the arts, craft and cuisine exhibition held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition was part of the Amerindian Heritage Month activities and saw Amerindians from across the country participating.

Art and craft is a big part of the Amerindian culture. For many of them it is a way of life and a means of getting by.

From bags to jewellery to place mats, one can tell that a lot of work goes into the creation of each item.

Aside from the annual heritage celebrations, pieces of Amerindian craft can be found in tourist shops, stores and some supermarkets.

The colourful craftwork always catches the eye and for many persons, the intricacy and beauty of the pieces naturally sway them to make a purchase.

Albert has been a craftsman all his life, carving, painting, weaving and building some of the most unique pieces of art from the treasures of the forest.

He specialises in many techniques of making craft, some of which he inherited from his father. He is now passing that knowledge and skill to his son.

For Albert and many other craftsmen and women, making these pieces usually begins with a grueling journey into the deep Mazaruni forest to source the raw materials.

Making bi-weekly trips, Albert often rides solo. He is sometimes accompanied by his son.

He told this newspaper that he leaves his home early in the morning to source wood, rocks, bamboo and whatever other material he needs to make some of his most popular pieces.

He said that the real hard work begins with preparatory process, especially when working with wood. While it is a tedious process, it is one he enjoys.

The “rain stick” is one of his favourite pieces. It is made out of a special wood, which he sources from the forest near his village and small pebbles which he collects from streams.

The clearly excited Albert explained to this publication that a piece of wood is carved into a cylinder-like shape and writings, symbols and pictures are then skillfully carved into it. Paint is often used to add a pop of colour and vibrant spin to the piece. The pebbles are then placed inside the cylinder and when sealed and shaken, it makes a rain like sound.

Outside of this piece, Albert makes the matapee, the bow and arrow, and the “maswah”, which is a fish trap used by the Amerindians.

Albert noted that Indigenous artisans and craftsmen/women create their unique pieces in celebration of their heritage and to pave a way for the future.

He disclosed that he has been lobbying for greater support and recognition for the Amerindian talents and has been working with his son to preserve the somewhat dying tradition of craft making.