Artist
Suelae Robinson

Title
Reviving Traditional Antiguan Seedwork

Budget CBK Rotterdam
€ 7.500,00

Year of award
2024

Request type
I&V subsidy

As a child, Suelae Robinson was fascinated by 'seed work', a typical Antiguan craft in which jewellery, bags and belts are made from tamarind seeds. The artist recently discovered that this tradition has been practiced by women for centuries, and has its origins in colonial times. In search of ways to provide for their livelihood, women collected tamarind seeds to make jewellery that was then sold at the local market. Today, there are only five women who master this craft, and this Caribbean tradition is in danger of being lost. With the project 'Reviving Traditional Antiguan Seedwork', Robinson wants to master 'seed work' herself. In collaboration with the local foundation Botanique, she also calls for more recognition for the women who have kept this tradition alive for so long.