Showmima

Saleha Akter Urmi; [Facilitator]

My favourite tree (embroidery)

Fultola (embroidery)

Embroidery (EMB)

Decorative

There was a garden with many mango trees surrounding Showmima’s house. During the spring, when strong nor’westers would rock the green mangoes from the trees, she and her siblings would collect them in a basket. They made pickles from the green mangoes and ate the ripe mangoes. While drawing and making embroidery of the aam gaas (mango tree), Showmima is communing with her past.

The Rohingya community is closely connected with nature. Houses were surrounded by large trees planted by families, so that the wood could be used to make furniture when girls got married. Trees are an integral part of their lives as they not only bear fruits but can also be chopped to make furniture and houses. The women are reminded of what they left behind when they buy fruits at the camp and feel sorry that they have to purchase the same things which they could harvest on their own and simply give away to friends and neighbours before.