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The Hercules Belt, Handmade Wild Tamarind Seedwork

About the Item

Since slavery, wild tamarind and jumbie bead seeds have been gathered and sewn by hand into intricate necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts, and household items such as coasters and placemats. These pieces held a talismanic value, as enslaved women spent hours making the pieces and saying prayers over the work to garner strength, protection from the Gods, and resilience to get them through difficult times. The entirely organic work has miraculously survived for centuries and has a power and beauty that speaks for itself. These artistic expressions are botanical in nature and are unique to the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. This scenic space in the Caribbean sea is home to 100,000 persons and was initially inhabited by Amerindians. The island has a past binding its people to a history of enslavement. As exemplified by the Botanique line of products, traditional artisanship is one of the few remaining intangible cultural skills that keep the island’s heritage alive. This item is from our Sui Generis line. Sui Generis is a Latin-derived phrase meaning one of a kind, which summarizes the pieces of this collection. Every Sui Generis piece is unique and has a stock of one. If you purchase anything from this collection, you will be the only one to have it, as these items are rare patterns and do not restock. You may use ideas from any of these designs in the creation of a custom item (email to inquire), as with all our wares. Still, these specific pieces you must buy while you can before they’re gone forever.
  • Creator:
    Louise Edwards and Team
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 32 in (812.8 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    2022
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Oxford, MD
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: T000251stDibs: LU3085217862092
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  • Sugarcane Coin Purse, Handmade Wild Tamarind Seedwork
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  • Taíno Bracelet, Handmade Wild Tamarind Seedwork
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    The original inhabitants of the islands of Antigua and Barbuda were indigenous Taino (Arawak) and the Kalinago (Carib) groups. Taíno was also the native language of the Taíno tribes living in the northern Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and most of the land mass of Hispaniola. We present this bracelet to them, as the ancestors of our island and their fight to attempt to keep their lands safe from colonization. The blood they shed does not go unnoticed. Botaniqué allows the consumer to explore and celebrate African and Indigenous history, albeit under the jurisdiction of the diaspora. Today, seed work is threatened as a dying art. Only five women on the island of Antigua are master seed workers. To save this art form before it vanishes forever, your purchase will aid in this preservation effort. This item is from our Sui Generis...
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