My Unbe-weave-able Experience at Nassau's Straw Market

          As I approached the iconic Straw Market of Nassau’s Bay Street, I have to admit my excitement to purchase unique, artisanal items dissipated as I approached row after row of mass produced items, ranging from bags with “Nassau” written in graffiti-style print to plastic ashtrays with artificial Cohiba cigars attached. As I entered the market, I tried to remain positive, but was bombarded by salespeople encouraging me to visit their stall, insisting that I purchase something, as they had been out there all day and had not made a sale. Just as I was about to surrender to the pressure of being an American consumer, not comfortable with bartering or saying “no”, a cruise ship full of tourists enthusiastic to find trinkets arrived. I heard one less enthusiastic cruise ship visitor exclaim, “I’m ready to go back to the boat and watch football!” As the salespeople eagerly made sales, it dawned on me that the Straw Market was geared towards the consumption of cruise ship tourists due to its proximity to the Port Terminal and centralized Bay Street. There was an ATM situated at the foot of the port, eliminating a barrier of entry for American consumers who tend to rely on cards versus cash.

As time progressed, I gained an even better idea of what was unique and what was mass produced, bartering over prices, and forging ahead to the items that I wanted to see. I purchased two beaded necklaces mimicking jade and coral, a gold ring including a pearl similar to those produced by a conch, the star of the Bahamas, a set of multicolor bracelets, a fan and a fannypack that I planned to use at Junkanoo. However, I could not leave the Straw Market without purchasing a genuine straw item similar to the ones that the Caribbean became famous for in the 1940s. I stumbled upon a woman who not only had a plethora of straw items available for purchase, but was in the process of completing a purse in the exact style for which I was looking. I approached her and as she completed my purse, she shared stories about her life on the island, family in Hyattsville, Maryland that was encouraging her to move and excitement for the Junkanoo parade. She also shared how the Straw Market had to be rebuilt in 2001 as a result of a great fire, which explained the abundance of No Smoking signs. I could feel her sense of pride in her background and talent as she handed the finish product to me, which renewed my excitement in visiting the Straw Market. As I exited the market, I noticed a row full of woodcarvers mastering their craft in front of my eyes.

Like much of Nassau, the Straw Market is tailored to tourists’ taste, but there are plenty of stories and unique flair to take advantage of, if you are willing to remain curious.