New Jersey Folk Festival Program Book 2013 Apr. 2013 | Page 6

Heritage Area
Craft Demonstrations

The Heritage Area of the New Jersey Folk Festival resembles a living outdoor museum of craft
demonstrations, static exhibits, displays, and living history reenactments. Visitors to this area are
able to observe craftspeople at work, ask questions, and learn about the production of traditional
crafts in an interactive setting. The presenters are regarded as tradition bearers, people who have
learnt the craft of their regional or ethnic group and have willingly perpetuated the legacy. The
performers of the NJFF 2013 represent both Garifuna traditions and culture, and the folk culture of
New Jersey.

Exhibitors

Brandon and Malcolm Bullock

The Bullock brothers of Keansburg, New Jersey, will be demonstrating traditional Garifuna
drum making. Drums are the heart and soul of Garifuna secular and religious music, with roots
stemming back to Africa. The precise process of drum making begins in the rainforest, where a
tree must be cut down and transported to the drum maker’s yard. Once in the yard, the tree is
cleared of branches and is sliced into sections measuring three to four feet long and several feet
wide, depending on the log. Then, carefully circling the inside of the log with a saw, the drum
maker leaves only a thin, even layer of wood around the edges of the log. Once the core is slipped
out from the log, the remaining thin layer becomes the wall of the drum. After a little smoothing,
shaping, and polishing, a piece of dried, stretched animal skin is secured on top to complete
the drum. After the drum is completed, the drum maker will go back to the core and repeat the
process, producing several drums from the same core.

Petra Carrano

Petra Carrano will be demonstrating Garifuna hair
braiding. Petra learned how to braid hair from her
grandmother, and she continues to braid hair today. Hair
braiding is passed down from generation to generation,
keeping Garifuna traditions alive for the future.

Myrtle Palacio

Myrtle Palacio will be demonstrating cassava preparation.
Born in the predominantly Garifuna community of
Dangriga, Belize, she was introduced at an early age to
traditional Garif չ