“Without ‘abattis’, our traditional agriculture, we cannot live,” says Sandra Suitman. The ‘abattis’, as the local form of agriculture in Guiana is called, is at the heart of traditional societies in Camopi.
There was a lot of hustle and bustle early this Friday morning, October 8, on the Camopi village dock. Farmers were unloading their pirogues loaded with fruits and vegetables, while others arrived with wheelbarrows to carry the products of the ‘abattis’ and the handicraft industry. Visitors were already waiting, eager to select the most beautiful pieces.
A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS ~ Welcomed by PAG agents, about fifteen exhibitors set up shops on Place des fêtes, under the protection of the great Kumaka* (cheese tree). Peppers, tukupi, pineapples, yams, papayas, coriander, bananas tomatoes, coconuts, game, handicrafts, kitchen utensils, cotton baby carriers or hammocks, and coral bead jewelry: so many different products that can be found in the stalls, to the visitors’ delight! The handicrafts, barely displayed yet, were already in the hands of women using them daily for cooking: sieves, presses, small baskets, walwari, wooden spoons… As for the jewelry and pearl ornaments, they are the reward for all these deserving women who work to perpetuate the Teko and Wayapi habits and cultural values. «The abattis culture is being lost,» confided Sandra. «We must motivate children to go to the abattis, without abattis we cannot live» she added. The current health situation and its consequences on everyone’s budget has reinforced the idea that abattis production is necessary, even vital for the population in isolated areas. «The products are sold on the spot, orders are placed, exchanges take place through bartering: there is a sense of solidarity and at the same time a collective spirit,» confided Simeon Monerville, the event organizer.
WELL-DESERVED AWARDS ~ The following contests could be launched: the most varied stall, the most beautiful root and the biggest banana hand for this 2021 edition! The lucky winners were able to leave with useful prizes for the garden. The works of the LAND’ART challenge were exhibited and rewarded on Place des fêtes. The contest, with seven young girl competitors, for the most beautiful traditional teko or wayapi outfit was a success.
VISITING THE ABATTIS ~ A scheduled visit to the Ka’Agriculture integration site revealed 14 young Camopians who have chosen agriculture for their future, supervised by Justin Tartar of the Liane association. Fernando Yakali is the team leader and in charge of the site. «Each person is motivated and they all have projects. Everything I learn, I share with my family. They are proud, my parents are happy and so am I,» Fernando told us. «A good atmosphere, motivation, the young people take ownership of the project, more and more! « Justin emphasized. The final objective is to acquire the necessary skills to develop their own professional project. It is also a way to diversify the inhabitants’ food habits, to learn new agricultural techniques and to offer fresh products to new residents (teachers, administrators, gendarmes, etc.). A monthly or weekly market is desired by all.
CONTACT : https://www.parc-amazonien-guyane.fr/
Autor : Jean-Maurice Montoute
