Thatching

The weather remained clear and rainless until 4:30. This provided dry pavement at 3:30. The class used the west parking lot due to weed whacking next to the east parking lot. Prep began at 2:30 which was barely sufficient time. Ixora Casei again provided the needle.

Jayleen demonstrates to Litana, Jemara, and Susan

The instructions were for those who knew how to make thatch to teach thatching to those who did not know. The leaflets of Metroxylon amicarum (oahs) were used.

Emars demonstrating to Nakisha and Seniko.

Emars is using a length of wood as her needle. A stem from Ixora Casei was available for making thatching needles. This is not what Pohnpeians previously used. Strips of the outer petiole of Metroxylon amicarum were used as both the needle and the material that was woven. 

Santriko was a lead instructor, here finishing off doakoahs en Ruk in the same time span in which some students were still just starting. 

Santriko then set to making doakoahs en Pohnpei.

Jayleen working on doakoahs en Pohnpei with it's characteristic angled lay down.

Santriko assists Jayleen. Maintaining a consistent angle is challenging. 

Aftet observing for a while, Keola tries his hand at thatching. RJ provided support.

Seniko with Emars, Nakisha, and Sinae in the background 

Sinae working from the left end of the rau

Nakisha

Susan

RJ assists Keola

DS getting started

Santriko instructs Litana

Santriko's end tie

Jayleen and Santriko display doakoahs en Ruk 

Cassandra. Out in Houk, western outer island of Chuuk, the men collect and make the thatch. On Houk pandanus is used, with the leaf prickles left in place. The men wind up all scratched up as a result of collecting and making the thatch. 

Cathleen

Hercly from Woleiai. On Woleai coconut fronds are used with the leaflets left on the midrib. The midrib is likely split to make two thatch from one frond. The leaflets are interwoven as if making a mat. 

Keola and Jayleen hold up thatch that is doakoahs en Pohnpei on the left, doakoahs en Ruk on the right. 

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