Tabitha is an older, highly accomplished weaver of decorative but totally practical large tote bags called Ciodoo bags, made from sisal fibers. She came to Worcester from Kenya as an economic immigrant; for some years she travelled back and forth between Kenya and Massachusetts depending on family duties and economic needs. At present she is residing in Kenya for the most part.
Tabitha learned to weave from her mother in their central Kenya rural village. Weaving was considered a leisure activity, an everyday venue for girls’ and women’s skills, and a means for making practical objects such as baskets for carrying things. Girls would learn to make the ciodoo bags so that they would have something to fill during the day around the farm (fruits, vegetables) and carry these home to help feed the family at night. Her tote bags have a rough, sturdy beauty and are clearly designed to withstand heavy burdens. We thank her son Julius for telling us these stories.
Items
