Craftsman wants to pass on skill

Port Antonio, Portland:

With more than 40 years experience as a craft artist, Cecil Hylton, who specializes in building chairs, beds, tables, and baskets using wicker strings grown in the forest, is fearful that he will not be able to pass on his trade.

Hylton, a Rastaman, spend most of his days at the craft village at Allan Avenue, Port Antonio, making luxury chairs, sofa, and tables, using wicker and cedar wood.

“Wicker is one of the oldest form of making furniture and other items, “said Hylton.

He added, “The wicker industry faltered in recent years, as manufacturers blindly bought wicker strings from persons who visited the forest during the moonshine period, resulting in termites infesting the strings. As a result, consumers suffered, as the furniture started to rot after about a year. “But in my case, I ensure that I visit the forest during dark-night periods to collect wicker strings.”

longlasting

He explained that when soaked in salt water, this acts as a preservative. The finish product, which also includes the use of cedar wood, can last up to 50 years and beyond.

“I have gotten good support from returning residents, the local people, and a few tourists, who stop by to purchase hats, baskets, and cups. But my greatest challenge now is to pass on the skill and art to others, so as to preserve the future of wicker-making.”

According to Hylton, he is more than willing to go into the schools to teach his craft to students which could augur well for the future, especially as it relates to tourism. He argued that unless the powers that be intervenes, wicker-making could become extinct in another 10 years or so, as those involved in making furniture using wicker are ageing.

Emphasising the urgency of the situation, Hylton said he really wants to pass on all that he has learnt to the younger generation.

“It is in fact a good and prosperous livelihood. I am also urging the powers that be to open up an area where we can build furniture using wicker, and for it to be exported to other countries.”