Experts urge Seychellois to benefit more from coconut carving |25 September 2017

Seychellois craftsmen are being urged to make the most of what is found in their natural environment and convert local products such as coconuts which are in abundance here, into works of arts which will bring them some revenue.

Two coconut carving experts from China ‒ Wu Mingju and Lin Hui ‒ who are here to take part in an exhibition with the involvement of local artisans, said this after a demonstration of coconut carvings at the Mayor’s Office in Victoria. The demonstration was for public viewing.

Mr Wu is the vice-chairman of Hainan Folk Artists Association and Hainan Provincial successor of Coconut Carving Arts, and Ms Lin is the assistant carving artist of Haikou Mingju Carvings Ltd. They were accompanied by local artist and artisan Donatien Freminot who also practised his carving skills and at the same time learned from the Chinese instructors.

One of the best coconut carving artists in Hainan at present, Mr Wu will hold a coconut carving workshop for students as well as interested artisans tomorrow from 9am to 3pm at the Seychelles Institute of Arts and Design at the Anse Royale campus.

“In China coconut carving dates back 500 years ago. Coconuts are available all around the islands and we are here to show Seychellois how to gain the maximum from the abundance of coconuts available here,” said Ms Lin while commending Seychelles for its natural beauty.

Mr Freminot said it took him a year to really master the art of carving coconut shells. And to make it more attractive, he said, one can add decorative jewellery to the carvings.