Coconut Beaters X (Tanzania, Zanzibar)

The manual beating of coconut fibers — or coir — remains a living practice on the coasts of Zanzibar . These raw fibers, extracted from the husk of the coconut palm , are prized for their natural resistance to humidity and salt . Historically, they already fueled regional trade to India and the Persian Gulf in the 19th century, particularly for the manufacture of naval ropes , woven mats , and durable brooms . Their preparation combines several stages: prolonged soaking , drying in the sun , then hand-pounding to soften the fiber. This activity, often carried out by women, is part of an informal coastal economy where each gesture is inherited, adjusted, and passed on. It testifies to a deep link between natural resources and resilient know-how in the islands of the Indian Ocean.