Thatch Head Rope
This coil of rope is typical of that once produced in Cayman for the shipping and maritime industry. Historically rope making was one of the pillars of our Islands’ economy, peaking in 1964 when 1.3 million fathoms of rope were exported. This is an example of a head rope — the thickest rope in diameter — and measures over three fathoms, or nearly twenty feet, in length. Because of its durability and dependability head rope was traditionally reserved for the most important functions, including being attached to a masthead as a stay or used as a boltrope that is sewed along the upper edge of a sail. The initial weave (or ‘first strand’) for this rope was created by expert thatch weaver Marlena Anglin.
About the Artist
Deal Ebanks
b. 1958
Deal Ebanks was born in West Bay, but moved with his family to Texas in the late 1970’s, before returning to Cayman in 2003. He works primarily with traditional Caymanian materials, producing objects such as gigs, calavans, singing kites, walking sticks, and wauri boards, which he displays at cultural and agricultural events through Cayman Traditional Arts (CTA). His proficiency with crafting these objects has earned him the title of “the gig man”. Ebanks is also a recipient of the McCoy Prize People’s Choice award (2006) and the Heritage Cross Silver in the National Arts and Culture Awards. He was a regular exhibitor at the NGCI Art@Governor’s festival and his exhibitions at NGCI include: Emergence (2004), 21st Century Cayman (2010), Art of Assemblage (2013), and Revive: Contemporary Caymanian Craft (2017).
