Lokono Artist Jacob Federick from Dominica arrived in Georgetown October 15. He is here to find a cotton hammock weaver from the Rupununi with the intention of inviting that individual to Dominica to teach his people the art of cotton hammock weaving. I was happy to meet Jacob at the Walter Roth Museum. This is his third visit to Guyana having first visited the country some 10 years ago on a reconnnaissance missiomn in preparation for a historic trip by boat, the 'Glee Glee', from Dominica to the Pomeroon River.
I was honoured to have Jacob as my guest. I took him on two trips to my village, Pakuri(St. Cuthbert's Mission). He and I travelled to Annai, North Rupununi by coach and then to Lethem on the Brazilian border. We were hosted at Annai by the Rock View Resort proprietor Coln Edwards. At Annai he had meetings with several hammock weavers who were recommended to him by village elders. He wanted to meet someone skilled in both the Macushi and Wapishana weave. Finally, he settled for Bernita Roberts who was a skilled teacher/instructor and who was in the process of getting a group of women to produce hammocks for the local and foreign markets. It is hoped that Bernita will travel to Dominica in mid-November and return mid-December.
- George Simon
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Lokono Arawak Artist and Archaeologist, Associated Fellow Researacher at the University of Guyana. Holds a B.A Fine Art(Hons)Portsmouth, U.K and M.A in Field and Analytical Techniques in Archaeology from University College, London. AWARDS: 1998 National Award, Golden Arrow of Achievement For Exceptional Contribution to Social and Community Work among the Amerindian Peoples of Guyana And for Exceptional Contribution to the Arts and Culture in Guyana 2006 Banks Brewmasters Painting Award, First Prize. 2012 ANSA McAL Caribbean Award for Excellence