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Bamboo craft rare but not forgotten
Guyexpo 2K9…
A quick glance at this booth will not invoke any desire to stop for a tour, but upon observing what seems to be a modest display there is a very interesting story to be told.
The booth is sandwiched between some of the modern displays to which persons gravitate these days, but for the bamboo craft that Michael Alleyne is displaying at Guyexpo this year, there are many intriguing things to learn.
Michael Alleyne examines items in his booth
The Friendship, East Bank Demerara resident has been doing bamboo craft for more than 20 years and is one of a few persons trained in the discipline. Many will associate bamboo with agriculture and empoldering but this product can be used to make a range of items.
Alleyne said that although sales at this year’s Guyexpo have been poor the response and attention to his booth has been overwhelming.
He added that many visitors to the booth are pleasantly surprised at the range of items that can be made from bamboo. These range from soap dishes, jewel boxes, stand lamps, shoes, bra, glass holders, chairs, tables and a range of other items.
The China-trained bamboo technician said that producing bamboo items calls for great skills and awareness. According to him it is not as easy as it looks since the product has to be harvested and cured in a special way so that the desired end product can be achieved.
Alleyne has been supplying products to both local and overseas customers. He believes that the trade has not taken off as was expected and is encouraging more persons to get involved. He is calling for more attention to be paid towards this aspect of the craft.
He believes that like the other aspects of the discipline more resources and training should be channelled in that direction.
Alleyne said although the finished product takes a while to be made it is worth the wait, and according to him it gives your home or whatever it is made for, a uniqueness that is golden.
The last time bamboo training was done in Guyana was in 2003 when two Chinese experts visited and imparted their knowledge and skills to approximately 50 craft producers. Craft products are very affordable and easy to maintain.
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