Thatch Basket with Bow
A well-known thatch master in the Cayman Islands, Conolly’s work reflects traditional plaiting skills in new and original ways. Thatch Basket with Bow is considered an example of fine art rather than a traditional craft object whose primary purpose is functional instead of decorative.
About the Artist
Carmen Conolly
b. 1936
Born in East End, Grand Cayman, Carmen Conolly began basket making as a child, learning thatching techniques from her aunt. By the early 1970s, her skills became more advanced, and she has subsequently become one of the most respected of Cayman’s many talented craftpersons. Her unique thatch designs are a regular feature at national festivals, and she has been recognised with a Heritage Award (CNCF, 2000), a Heritage Gold Cross (CNCF, 2011), and a National Heroes Day Award. Her work can be found in many private and public collections, including the permanent collections of NGCI and the Cayman Islands National Museum. NGCI exhibitions include All Access (2015), Revive: Contemporary Caymanian Craft (2017), and Island of Women: Life at Home During our Maritime Years (2020).
