Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Paraty • Paraty

MARRAPAIÁ ARTESANATO

Beautiful basketwork and other exquisite handicrafts

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Bearing the name of a traditional slave dance similar to the congada, this small shop formerly located in the historical town center has been open since 2004 in the district of Caborê, and attracts customers with its typical handicrafts strategically exhibited by its door.

The basketry is produced in several caiçara communities that use vines and reeds as their raw materials, among other natural materials, and are a great lure. Here can be found different sizes of tipitis (basketwork used to drain and to dry roots, chiefly cassava) to process meal, and extremely useful samburás, or baskets to place shellfish or market purchases, and that a famous navigator uses to accommodate his projects and nautical charts.

The greater part of this large variety originates from Paraty, with some being brought from other locations. Other handcrafted items such as floor mats, utilitarian and decorative wood carvings form part of this vast collection of items for sale.

Apart from the shades of straw and wood, there are beautiful patchwork pieces made by the cheerful shop owner, Dona Maria, such as the calico and jute place mats that liven up any environment. Another highlight is the delightful rag dolls fashioned by native artisan Dona Geralda and that have a label attached explaining their origin.

Marrapaiá Artesanato is a little out of the way from the town center but a visit is worthwhile, in particular to chat with Dona Maria and to see her very actively making what she enjoys the most: attractive handicrafts.

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