Salema

Saleha Akter Urmi; [Facilitator]

My favourite tree (embroidery)

Fultola (embroidery)

Embroidery (EMB)

Decorative

Salema had a big tetoi gaas (tamarind tree) in her house when she was ten years old. Salema and her friends used to pick tamarind from the tree and enjoy it until their parents prohibited them from climbing the tree, especially at noon when the evil spirits may catch you. When she became a teenager, Salema was completely forbidden to go near the tree. But her parents managed to get tamarind elsewhere and prepared pickles for her. She really misses those days.

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.