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The Hercules Belt, Handmade Wild Tamarind Seedwork

About the Item

Since slavery, wild tamarind and jumbie bead seeds have been gathered and sewn by hand into intricate necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts, and household items such as coasters and placemats. These pieces held a talismanic value, as enslaved women spent hours making the pieces and saying prayers over the work to garner strength, protection from the Gods, and resilience to get them through difficult times. The entirely organic work has miraculously survived for centuries and has a power and beauty that speaks for itself. These artistic expressions are botanical in nature and are unique to the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. This scenic space in the Caribbean sea is home to 100,000 persons and was initially inhabited by Amerindians. The island has a past binding its people to a history of enslavement. As exemplified by the Botanique line of products, traditional artisanship is one of the few remaining intangible cultural skills that keep the island’s heritage alive. This item is from our Sui Generis line. Sui Generis is a Latin-derived phrase meaning one of a kind, which summarizes the pieces of this collection. Every Sui Generis piece is unique and has a stock of one. If you purchase anything from this collection, you will be the only one to have it, as these items are rare patterns and do not restock. You may use ideas from any of these designs in the creation of a custom item (email to inquire), as with all our wares. Still, these specific pieces you must buy while you can before they’re gone forever.
  • Creator:
    Louise Edwards and Team
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 32 in (812.8 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    2022
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Oxford, MD
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: T000251stDibs: LU3085217862092

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Esther Belt, Authentic Wild Tamarind Seed Bracelet
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Capturing the mixture of tradition and vibrancy, the Esther Belt is a part of our “Artisan Collection,” lovingly named after one of our Master Seedwork Artisans, Esther Edwards. This unique and handmade bracelet is created with wild tamarind seeds dyed black, uniquely and innovatively dyed with shoe dye, and perfectly placed within this signature design. This pattern is a classic creation for the master seedwork artisans and for the overall island as a typical pattern possessed by Antiguan & Barbudan locales, with a twist to be created distinctively for you. This piece presented is only a snapshot of the broad range of custom-made products produced by the hands of master artisan Antiguan and Barbudan women who specialize in seedwork—created out of the wild tamarind and jumbie bead Seeds. Only five women were on the island of Antigua as master seed workers. To save this art form before it vanished forever, an educational program was developed to preserve the tradition of seed work, with full scholarships for young candidates. Botaniqué Studios...
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