Kokosye Boutique: A Journey of Tradition and Creativity
The Kokosye: A Versatile Gem
Nestled within the small island of La Digue, lies a story that weaves together tradition, family, and the artistry of local craftsmen. It all began with a simple yet essential tool known as the "Kokosye," deriving from the French word 'coco sciee'; a unique large bowl made by cutting the Coco-de-Mer nut vertically.
The Kokosye may seem unassuming, but it held a special place in the daily life of the Seychellois people. In the kitchen, it was a go-to tool for pounding chili, ginger, and garlic due to its hard shell. The container was also used to remove grit from rice and lentils or to carry water while cooking. Beyond the kitchen, fishermen used the Kokosye to remove sea water from their traditional fishing boats.
Theoline's Boutique: Where It All Began
Our story unfolds in the middle of La Digue's main town, where a small grocery store owned by Theoline Waye-Hive, was buzzing with activity. Everyday, Theoline used the Kokosye to extract rice, sugar, and flour from large sacks then weighed them on a big scale before packaging them into smaller bags for locals to buy. The scale itself was a symbol of fairness, as it balanced out food items on one end and small weights on the other.
The shop was more than just a place of commerce; it was a place where Theoline's sons spent most of their time after school and on weekends, helping their mother out. As time passed, Theoline's boutique eventually closed its doors in the late '90s. While it marked the end of an era, it also paved the way for a new chapter in the family's journey.
Preserving Tradition, Crafting the Future
A year later, one of Theoline's sons; Vincent, along with his wife Shirley, opened a small souvenir shop, and the name they chose paid homage to the family's history: Kokosye Boutique. The name carried a deep significance, as it was inspired by the Kokosye, which had played an integral role in his mother’s grocery store.
The boutique started off by selling a small array of handmade products crafted by local artisans such as Joel Banane. Visitors could buy items ranging from coconut oil, coconut soaps, scented candles and fragrant potpourri.
As Kokosye Boutique continued to grow, it expanded its offerings, showcasing the creations of local craftsmen. The selection now includes home decors such as wood carvings and paintings, local tea and spices, clothing, and a wide range of accessories, from bags and purses to jewelry. The boutique also sells coconut oil and candles infused with fragrance like vanilla, lemongrass, and cinnamon, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Seychelles.
Vincent's passion for craftsmanship inspired him to create his own handmade items, enhancing and adding value to simple materials found in nature. He passed down these skills to one of his sons; Yoel, who now works alongside him, continuing the family tradition. Together, they create exquisite handicrafts that capture the essence of Seychelles.
A Living Tribute to the Past
As you step into Kokosye Boutique today, you'll encounter more than just products. You'll find living reminders of the past. Hanging from the ceiling, the same scale that once weighed groceries in Theoline's Boutique serves as a powerful symbol of heritage and fairness. Nearby sits the Kokosye itself alongside the weights used to balance items and countless other artifacts that has been collected over the decades.
Kokosye Boutique is more than just a souvenir shop; it's a tribute to tradition, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a testament to the enduring bonds of family.
