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The true
spirit of Martinique and its traditions can be found in the
handcrafts produced by the local artisans reflecting the rich island
culture.
Local craftsmen continue to work with the fruits and fibers provided
by nature to create objects that are both decorative and useful as
well as providing visitors with a window into local customs and the
traditional ways of life.
Designs and techniques have been passed down though generations
maintaining Martinique’s indigenous heritage.
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 THE CALEBASSE
A wooden shell with a
thousand uses, the Calebasse is traditionally used to create plates,
bowls, food containers as well as cooking utensils. In the local
markets they continue to be purchased by locals for these
traditional functions as well as by tourists.
Craftsmen today also cut and sculpt the Calebasse to create
decorative objects as well as carry bags.
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 The
Ragald Family Mill in Lorrain
The traditional
preparation of the root of the Manioca plant and its transformation
into flour is a practice that has been all but lost to the new
generations of Martinique.
Once a staple food of the local peoples diet, Manioca flour has lost
much of its appeal due to the amount of work required in its
preparation.
The Ragald family have for 5 generations produced Manioca flour of
the highest quality and today welcome visitors curious to learn more
about this ingredient of the authentic Martinique.
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 Guy
Albert Valey is
an artist recognized for his profound sense of island
tradition. His philosophy of life as reflected in his work
are based upon his native Martinique roots.
Stalwart of traditional rituals, costumes and beliefs all
but lost, Valey’s work seeks to maintain these principals
alive and reflect nature’s vital role in island life.
You will find him Saturday mornings at the Trinité markets. |
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The sirop batterie
Dive into the past with a visit to the Mulin Jouan a Lorrain
where sugar cane syrup is still produced using traditional
methods. Beaten syrup, a 100% natural product, takes it’s
name from the process of beating the sugar cane syrup during
the phases of heating thereby removing the excess froth.
With the consistency of honey, sugar syrup is highly
regarded especially for its therapeutic qualities.
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THE BAKOUA
The Bakoua is
the type of hat symbolic of Martinique. There remain few
craftsman capable of making these unique hats entirely by
hand.
The
hats are made from the leaves of the Bakoua plant which are
dried and separated into ribbons which are then intricately
woven to create this waterproof fashion statement. |
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 POTTERY
The hand
working of clay to create carafes and containers for the
preservation of food and drink is a tradition handed down
through generations predating Columbus.
Today, Charles, one of the few remaining potters on the
island invites you to visit his studio in Riviere Pilote
where you can peruse his array of colorful and highly
decorative pieces from traditional items to day-day objects:
vases, table settings, ornaments and lamps in various forms. |
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La vannerie
The patient and time consuming art of weaving vegetable
fibers is still practiced in Martinique using antique
techniques to create what can only be called masterpieces of
hand craft.
Fibers of the cachibou and aroman are worked to create table
settings, lamps, decorative bottles and chests.
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Often found at the entrance to
the Salines beach where they create and sell their products.
Their specialty are bags sculpted and engraved with artistic
style.
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Art&Music: H.Hery Kréasyon
On the seas
edge of le Robert, Hervé exhibits and sells traditional
handcrafted items and musical instruments. Objects in
various materials including leather , bamboo , Calebasse and
coco as well as sculptures , jewelry , lamps and pictures...
Bd. Henry
Auzé - 97231 Le Robert - tel 0596.380051 |
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