Craft maker preserving Maroon culture

The art of trinket making may be losing its relevance due to commercialisation and North American fashion trends, but for one group of indigenous people, it is one way they ensure their identity is preserved.

Nestled in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, the quiet community of Charles Town, Portland, is home to more than 2,000 persons who identify and accept their Maroon heritage. Dane Henry, the proprietor of Bisa Arts, is a proud 60-year-old who spends most her days deeply concentrating on creating new art pieces.

Her shop, located on the Ancestral Gardens, showcases a variety of eye-catching pieces that leaves curious visitors yearning for more. She has made several items, ranging from bracelets, catapults and calabashes to coffee, skin care products and pepper sauce.

"Me enjoy doing it, me only want my spliff inna my mouth. The bracelets are the easiest things to make; I can make more than 10 of them a day," she stated. When the news team visited the Ancestral Gardens, schoolchildren flocked Henry's stall to purchase items.

And no visit to the Ancestral Gardens is complete without hearing the sounding of the abeng. Although Henry, who was given the name 'Bisa' by Maroon elders, is not versed on sounding the instrument, she has them for sale for interested buyers.

"Me can only make a sound with it, me can't send message," she joked, before showing off her amateur skills for THE STAR.

Originally from Scott's Hall in Portland, Henry has been making craft since 2003. She sources her beads from the nearby river or overseas peddlers. She sources her coffee beans from farmers in the nearby mountains.

"Everything I need is right here. It is profitable because tourists come here a lot as well as school tours," she explained.

Henry opined that by creating trinkets and other products, she is ensuring that the Maroon heritage is preserved.

"I have six children and 10 grandchildren, and three of the grandchildren always help me when I'm making [items]. My daughters help with the soaps and my son makes the castor oil. We have to stay true to our heritage but we need more of the younger generation to get into it," Henry said.