Ailuk Handicrafts and "Handicraft School"

Some of the handicrafts we traded for.

The Marshall Islands is known for its handicrafts and, in our opinion, the Ailuk baskets and hangings are the most intricate.   The ladies are able to take their local natural resources (coconut, pandanus) and make items that have an agreed value at their local store so they can trade for goods.  In Majuro, these handicrafts are sold on in shops on the main street, and we were told that some are sent overseas. 

One of our goals for our time in Ailuk was for Victoria to have the opportunity to learn more about the making of these handicrafts as it fit well into the Fiber Arts 10 course she was taking. Emily spent some time on our last visit teaching Victoria but this time Victoria spent time in both villages improving her understanding of how to make the baskets.

The supply ship had not visited Ailuk for a long time so they were happy to trade for supplies from Majuro

In addition to basic supplies (sugar, coffee, milk powder, rice), one of the ladies' favourite trading items was nailpolish - Liz then offered 'manicures' to anyone who wanted.  The ladies were all too busy making handicrafts (for us) to sit still and paint their nails, but the girls were excited by the possibility.

Benjamin showing off one our new wall hangings with Linne and her family.  The Canada T-shirt came from our trading bag.

Darlene working on a handicraft for us.

and more ...

and more ... (in the bottle is coconut oil they made for us - interesting as it smelt and tasted of the wood fire.)

Linne's husband seems less than impressed though.  Liz went around the village and took pictures of many of the family groups so that we could leave our own 'handicrafts' (printed and laminated photo collages) with them. 

Victoria with Ruthi who made this basket and spent time teaching Victoria.

and then back to Ailuk village where Emily presides over the trading

while Victoria works on her basket much to the local children's amazement.

Liz and Victoria with Emily.  Emily made us this massive basket and Victoria is showing her basket lid in progress.

Baskets in progress in Enejelar.  Boiling specific parts of the  coconut fronds that become one of the main construction materials.  The skills are passed from mother to daughter, but we also heard that many of today's girls would 'rather play volleyball' than learn to make baskets. 

Drying the materials and combing them so they will curl tightly to be used as thread

more handicraft school.

and a chance for Darlene to teach her daughter.

Learning can go both ways.  Victoria showing Darlene different patterns.  Darlene thought she might be able to use the crochet patterns to give her ideas for her wall hangings and basket lids.

Victoria showing Darlene the toque she knitted me for the Alaska passage.

meanwhile the kids are enjoying the log cabin construction set we gave them.

back to handicraft school ... Victoria taking notes.

and more learning

starting with some basics - folding pandanus. (I realized that the method they use is very similar to the knotting I use to make string zipper and snap shackle pulls, Victoria)

Finished product.

and then the basket project begins. (notice the pretty bracelet Ruthi made me, Victoria)

the frame for the lid of the basket takes shape

working on the basket while sailing back to Ailuk village

a bit more time to work on the basket after church. (I am making the beginning of the bowl of the basket, Victoria)

working with Emily who is generously sharing some of her shells. (Notice the chair Emily is sitting on, the ladies cut the legs off the chairs so that they can work as I am doing, with my leg out and the strap tied to my toe, Victoria)

the finished product !

Details of the basket Victoria made

Details of the basket Victoria made