Traditional fibre crafts revived in Takamaka
Various traditional crafts using local materials are now being revived in the Takamaka district after they were seen as being in danger of dying out.
Crafts such as making fish traps, baskets, brooms, ropes, bags, and weaving objects from bamboo and palm fibres will be passed on to anyone interested in learning, including children as young as 10.
This is taking place through a project set up by German-born Heike Vierling, who has also compiled a book giving step-by-step instructions on how to make objects using various fibres.
Ms Vierling, a resident of Takamaka, first came to Seychelles in 2007 on holiday and returned the following year.
After noticing the wide range of natural fibres available here, she then learned about their various uses and how they could be made into objects of value.
With the support of a number of people, and a team of Takamaka residents well versed in the crafts, they started to make some of the objects and then compiled everything in a book.
Entitled The Almost Forgotten Knowledge of Old Skilled Crafts in Seychelles?, it aims to encourage the elderly to share their knowledge and encourage young people to rediscover 
their culture.
Ms Vierling said practising such crafts can also be a possible extra or even main source of income.
In a small ceremony at Takamaka community centre last week, she presented a copy of her book to Minister for Education Bernard Shamlaye.
He said he is impressed with the passion and innovativeness of the project, adding that it has great potential.
“This project has been well documented, and the book is an important reference point for whoever might be learning about such artisanal work,” he said.
“Young people should learn this type of craft-making and then be innovative in turning their objects into eye-catching, modern items that other young people will relate to and be attracted to.”
Copies of the book will be presented to the 25 state, three private and two special needs schools.
The guests present also viewed an exhibition of the various items produced by the team of craftsmen and women, and saw a demonstration of how they were made.
Ms Vierling said the next step is to target other artisanal craftsmen such as tinsmiths and blacksmiths, and also to have a special garden in the community where plants can be grown for their fibre.
Source: NATION 3-6-10