Description
In this Workshop, Learners will make a macrame net to hold a beautiful jicara.
The jicara is a hard shell fruit that has been used for hundreds of years to make anything from kitchen utensils to decorative items. The jicara cup also has traditional purposes, as they are used in ceremonies as a cup to pass around La Chicha, a traditional fermented drink made mainly from corn. Today, the jicara continues to be used in many ways, and with many uses. They are commonly used not only to make kitchen utensils and home decorative items, but also to transport items such as water or seeds, and even to make jewelry! In Costa Rica, The Borucas and Bribris, two of the main indigenous groups of Costa Rica, make them as souvenirs to sell.
Jicaras are very special to me, as they are my roots. Since I was little, I remember watching my grandpa making the nets to hold different size jicaras. My hometown, where I lived until the age of thirteen, is called Jicaral, which means 'jicaral field.’ I had many jicara trees in my backyard growing up. I used to play with them all the time!
Together in this Workshop, we will design a jicara, and make a net to hang it from. You will have a beautiful and useful container that you designed and built, that comes from Costa Rica with love. I am excited to create this piece with you!
Please note: This Workshop is recommended to ages 8+ as it requires a bit of dexterity to tie the knots. Younger Learners may participate with a parents helping hands.