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Hello!
Welcome to my page about the handwoven turtles of Guċhan. Much can be said about these, how they are made, how long it takes to weave, and the origin of the these turtles. A rarity in the ocean, and from coconut leaves, few people see them, and even less people own one. Utilising many different weaving techniques originating from the traditional basketry, mats, and fans of my ancestors, and incorporating half a decade of experience and love for the art, I have woven a turtle with the help and guidance of my ancestors. Several hours of meditation went on before I wove the first one, concentrating on the form of turtle, and how it exists in its' environment, taking more than two hours two make a small one, the turtle below is a medium sized one. There is only one other person on my island whom of which has the ability to weave turtles, but he is not as generous with his knowledge, as have been our ancestors for thousands of years, which is the reason that prompted me to meditate and create the turtle. But I believe that it wasn't me that created it, but the guiding hands of my ancestors before. The blood of many weavers before me runs through my veins, and as such, I hope to pass it onto my children, and my childrens' children. Knowledge like this is not to be kept secret, like many would want it to be, but to be shared with the world in hope that it will be kept alive for future generations to witness the greatness of the coconut tree, and the ingenious of the islands, and her people.
Got questions or comments write to pukapunani@hotmail.com me James Bamba
on 02/12/2001
