More than 50 years ago, as a way to pass time and stay out of trouble, Mackel Chalwell decided to learn how to weave baskets.
Today, basket weaving is a dying craft, the former BVI High School math teacher explained while he placed woven items on a table at the Church of God of Prophesy in Long Look on Monday.
As he stood in the church hall he displayed a woven wine-bottle holder, a napkin holder, tablemats and a clothes hamper, all examples of his work.
Basket weaving involves more than just weaving straw together, according to Mr. Chalwell, who said the hobby taught him discipline as a child.
The Department of Culture has hired Mr. Chalwell to teach classes in primary schools in the territory. So far, he has worked with students at Cappoons Bay, Willard Wheatley, Althea Scatliffe and Enis Adams primary schools.
See the Feb. 16, 2012 edition for full coverage.