Dona Paula in Ometepe

There is something wonderful about Dona Paula Alvarez who lives on Ometepe Island. At 81, she is a little bent and worn, but as active and enthusiastic as a young girl! We visited her on a warm sunny day, and were invited into her family compound and given a tour of her work shed. In her small work room, she took a seat and proceeded to demonstrate her skills at carving jicaro fruit to make cups, spoons, and water canteens.



Dona Paula has led a difficult life, and yet has come through it all with a smile. Even at 81, she is a bundle of energy, and full of stories to tell. As she demonstrated her carving to us, she told us the story of her life. Her mother died when Dona Paula was 20, and for many years she looked after her father, who died when he was 90. Her two children, whom she raised without their father, are Martine, 55 years old, and Pastor, 52 years old.




She began carving jicaro when she was only 10 years old, and taught herself more intricate designs over the years. She's now teaching her grandsons and granddaughters. Her skill in this traditional art have been recognized when she was invited by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Culture to demonstrate her work in Managua. Since 1997 she has made numerous trips to Managua for this purpose.

Her strong hands show the years and the labor she has known, which she is proud of. She is still eager to continue working as she has all her life, and insisted on showing us how she gathers plantain leaves and carries them on her back to use to wind into ropes for her jicaro canteens. An amazing woman, and a true cultural resource!