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Production of Fish leather provides a relatively new industry to the region and reduces the dependence on bovine leather imported from extra-regional sources. Fish leather provides artisans and designers with a new material, and aids in the environmental thrust to reduce, reuse, recycle. A spin-off from the tanning of ?sh skin reduces yet more wastage, through the collection of scales for other crafts like jewelry-making and costume design. Crafts contribute to sustainable development by using traditional skills and readily available raw materials. But whose responsibility is it to identify these materials and to promote their use? Artisans do not always see past the “received knowledge” of usage of traditional materials and practice. They generally stay with the tried and tested. It is, therefore, the business of crafts administrators, product developers and designers to introduce new possibilities in crafts production in collaboration with relevant agents in ministries, universities and support organizations. This is the practice in Barbados where the crafts coordinator is currently in discussion with the relevant ?sheries of?cer on the possibility of production of ?sh leather in the island. On other occasions, discussions have been engaged with relevant agricultural personnel on the propagation of bamboo and rattan and on the increased planting of Khus-Khus (Vetiver) grass. Business support organizations on the other hand should promote these initiatives as business opportunities for SMEs. Consequently, crafts administrators and product developers/ designers need to be proactive to remain aware of initiatives worldwide at all levels of crafts activity. Initiatives such as the Global Natural Fibres Forum, for example, which seeks to expand the usage of coconut, banana and other ?bres in artisanal production throughout the Commonwealth should be on the radar of all regional crafts administrators to explore any opportunities for collaboration with other Commonwealth members for the bene?t of Caribbean artisans. Could a similar initiative be spearheaded by a Caribbean committee with the assistance of agencies such as the International Trade Centre to explore for example, the development of indigenous dyes from local plants to reduce the importation of dyes from extraregional sources? A singular project in this direction is being attempted in Barbados between a fashion group and the local community college seeking to revive the centuries old tradition of indigo dye production. However, it would be more than useful were assistance and leadership forthcoming from the University of the West Indies in these areas which require research capabilities. Such would demonstrate an understanding of the shared responsibilities for innovation and product development at all levels of the social partnership and an acknowledgement of the popular motto, “God helps those who help themselves.” Or, perhaps with the current emphasis on heritage awareness, assistance can be garnered with the revival of “lost” crafts using indigenous materials. What, for example, has become of the pre-emancipation practice of making bark lace from the lace-bark tree (Lagetta lintearia) in Jamaica or the practice of making Sailor’s Valentines of sea-shells in Barbados? There are many more initiatives that may be explored using indigenous raw materials but there must be a willingness by all parties to see these materials as worthy of use and as a real source of revenue in their own back yards Sandra O. Browne is the Craft Development Coordinator in the Entrepreneurial Development Division of the Barbados Investment & Development Corporation.
Volume 3 July - September 2011 www.creativeindustriesexchange.com
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Soap dish of Coconut wood
Possible Raw Materials for Usage
Fish Skin - Leather Fish Scales - Accessories & Jewellery Cow Bones & Horns - Accessories & Jewellery Pig, Cow, Sheep Skin - Leather Dye-producing plants, Onion skins, Turmeric, Seeds - Dyes Grasses, Sedges - Basketry & Furniture Flowers - Paper, Perfumes, Oils, Dyes Sugar Cane - Basketry & Paper Coconut Wood - Construction, Furniture & Crafts Coconut Coir - Horticulture, Crafts & Household
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Sample of Salmon Leather