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Nassuvian Marva Dean grew up in a
traditional Bahamian family. As a child she spent many hours watching her
grandmother make "straw bags" from scratch. After graduating from
Jordan Prince William High School, Marva married and a few years later made
the move to the island of her husband's roots: Long Island, Bahamas. It was
there she re-discovered her love of the creativity and simplicity of this
traditional Bahamian craft. Straw veteran Madeline Major took Marva under
her wing and taught her the different styles of plaiting palm fronds known
as "straw plait". 15 years later, Marva Dean is a master and
produces the sought after "Marva Dean's Creations" handbag line.
Marva's creations are made from scratch - palm fronds collected by hand dry
in the sun on Marva's porch and inside her daughter
is busy weaving
the the fronds into 'plait' as Marva creates the latest handbag designs and
sews them together. Bags of all shapes, sizes and
colours including wallets,
clutches, and extra large "specials" can be found exclusively at BOTANI BATH Authentically Bahamian Gift Shop in downtown Nassau and are
available online by special
order through ting-n-ting.com. Custom and wholesale orders welcome.
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