Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 470

Angela and Johnson
the
Saba Lace Ladies
Lace-making has been a part of
the lives of Saban women for
over one hundred years. This
unique folk art is a significant
aspect of the island’s history,
introduced to them by Mary
Gertrude Hassell who lived on
Saba between 1854 and 1939. In
the early 1870’s, Gertrude, as she
was affectionately called, was
sent by her parents to study at a
convent in Curacao and possibly
Venezuela. The nuns taught
her how to make the intricate
patterns which she later taught
to friends and relatives on the
island upon her return. Soon,
many women on the island
were involved with this craft and
it quickly evolved into a mail
order cottage industry. When
their husbands went out to sea,
they fastidiously made lacework
and shipped it throughout the
world. So involved were they
in this industry that in 1904,
a Saban woman participated
in a handicraft competition in
Copenhagan and her lacework
won her the coveted first prize.
At one time in the island’s
history, Saba’s lacework was
the main export, accounting for
30 to 40 percent of the island’s
Gross National Product.
Today, Mrs Angela Johnson
and the Saba Lace Ladies are
keeping this tradition alive. The
12 ladies of the group come
together every Thursday to
do lace. They work together
to create the patterns - some
brand new and others taken
from a book of patterns.
Although the young people
on the island are not currently
been taught this long-held
tradition, there are plans to get
them involved to ensure the
continuity of the tradition.
When you are visiting the island,
be sure to stop and say hello to
the Saba Lace Ladies. They will
be happy to show you how the
lacework is done and will answer
all the questions you may have
about this intricate craft. This is
indeed a lovely way to spend
a Thursday evening. And, if
Thursday isn’t convenient for
you, they will accommodate you
on another day - just ask. Join
them and learn how to decorate
almost any thing you fancy
with the “Spanish work” (as
the lace-making is sometimes
called, the art having come
from Venezuela). Handkerchiefs,
table runners, table cloth,
napkins, clothing, etc., can all be
decorated. Men are welcome!
Contact Angela Johnson
at Windwardside (just ask,
everyone knows her), or enquire
at the Saba Tourist Office, your
hotel or taxi driver.
Saba lace is available for
purchase at various outlets on
the island.