Handcrafted Souvenirs from Turks & Caicos
Artisan Craft Shops on Providenciales Offer Unique Creations
If you were an early settler in the Turks and Caicos Islands coping with the constant heat of the afternoon sun, you’d be looking for a way to protect your face and keep you cool. You couldn’t stop the sun from shining, but you and your neighbours discovered that a hat woven from local plants could provide comfort and protection. While those pioneer days are long gone, the Turks and Caicos sun still shines, the temperatures are still warm and, fortunately for visitors, that lovingly handcrafted woven hat is still available.
Learning & Preserving Artisanal Talent
Artisan crafts are alive and well in the islands due to islanders who take pride in applying the specialized skills they’ve learned and teaching others in this traditional artistry. Preserving artisan work is also possible because of the non-profit organization called Middle Caicos Co-Op. The co-op began in 1998 with six straw and basket artists who wanted to preserve island culture, safeguard heritage, generate income for Caicos elders, and work toward a sustainable economy. Today there are over 40 artisans and numerous sales outlets throughout the islands which sell the artisans’ wares. The co-op works tirelessly to sort, tag, deliver, distribute, and market the handcrafts and also ensure artisans are paid upon delivery of their work.
The creations made represent significant time commitment, remarkable dexterity, and methods passed down through many generations. For example, some processes used to fabricate baskets date back to the early island pioneers from Africa. Fanner grass and palm fronds are picked, cleaned and woven into beautiful hats, bowls, table runners, coasters, trays and baskets. The fronds are split and plaited, a process akin to braiding, where the palm fibers are twisted. They are used like thread over the fanner grass and interwoven between the grass threads to create elaborate patterns. Each product is a labour of love and reflects a high element of expertise.
To get a sense of the skill, dexterity and time required to preserve this art watch the video, Straw Weaving is Alive in Turks & Cacios Islands:
Buy Local Goods on Providenciales
If you’re visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, you can find these unique creations at numerous outlets. Retail locations on Providenciales included Big Blue Collective, the departure lounge at the Provo Air Center and the Department of Culture at Turtle Cove. Also now open on Providenciales is a Wholesale Depot at The Market Place open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Local Craft Shopping on Middle Caicos and Grand Turk
On Middle Caicos, visit the Middle Caicos Co-Op Studio and the Conch Bar Artisan Studio.
On Grand Turk you’ll find items at the Turks and Caicos National Museum located on Front Street. Each item bears a special tag depicting a silhouette of a side profile of woman with a headwrap and the words “Handmade Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Every day the artisans of the Turks and Caicos Islands are busy creating beautiful pieces that represent culture and history. When you purchase one of these unique handmade items, you can feel good knowing the money is going towards supporting and preserving these traditional island arts.
