Grasping Straw in Fairy Hill

Paul H. Williams Contributor

The mother-and-son team of Rudolph Francis and Yvonne Thompson of Fairy Hill, Portland, is preserving the art of making items from palm and coconut fronds, and banana trunk fibre - all of which are commonly called straw.

The numbers of these items are dwindling because the number of artisans who make them is falling, as the art of making these items is not being passed on to younger generations. The production of these beautiful pieces requires dexterity, patience, and commitment, qualities which are lacking among many youngsters. Persons also prefer cheap imported items rather than those made of local natural materials.

It was Francis' father who taught his mother the art, and she, in turn, passed it on to him. At his little spot at Fairy Hill, when we visited recently, The Sunday Gleaner watched Francis effortlessly and hurriedly finish a little basket started by his mother, who wanted to take it to Port Antonio, but she was busy with other things.

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As Francis spoke, he wrapped and tied. But even when he would look away momentarily from what he was doing, his fingers and brain were still at work. He's quite the expert. The road to this high level of expertise started when he was very young. And now he can make a variety of high-quality items.

The palm thatch that Francis and Thompson use is mainly found along the coastline not far from where they live. And the location might have something to do with the feel and look of their items. They are softer and glossier than those made elsewhere. The coconut fronds and banana trunk fibre are easier to come by.

After they are acquired, they are put to dry; sometimes, the half-dry straws are used. The ribs (bones) of the palm and the coconut fronds are removed before they, along with the banana fibres, are torn into narrow strips. The rib section of the palm fronds is 'the frame' around which the strips are wrapped to create a 'vein'. Each wrap is called a 'round', and the number of rounds that is made before the vein is tied to the piece below or beside it is determined by the size of the item being made. The foundation section of the vein may be oblong or rectangular depending on the desired shape.

As the vein gets shorter, other pieces of straw are pushed into it and wrapped in order to make it appear to be one continuous piece. The whole process requires much concentration and accuracy to get the desired shape - whether it's square, rectangular, circular, oblong, tapered or flared - and the correct placement of the strips around the fingers is important for the smooth flow and accurate placement of the strips.

Care is taken to make each piece attractive and presentable, and so the art of making items from palm and coconut fronds, and banana fibre is about dexterity and aesthetics. Add to the mix the art of being patient and committed.